“We’re gonna run through a little St. Louis [music] history Nelly style and have a whole lot of [expletive] fun,” Nelly told the sold-out Powell Hall Friday night.
Was it an unorthodox way to kick off a night with the St. Louis Symphony? It absolutely was.
But as filled every single seat – and even lined the walls – to watch two St. Louis musical treasures in their own right join forces for “A Night of Symphonic Hip-Hop,” it was clear that they were down for the ride.
“Hell yeah,” one audience member shouted out after Nelly made his proclamation of what to expect.
“I told the musicians today that the substitute teacher is in the building – so go ahead and get your clown on,” Nelly said.
He joked around over the course of his 90 minute set accompanied by the Symphony – with the help of his own band and St. Lunatics City Spud and Ali – but expressing the pride in his heart to have the opportunity to do so was a serious matter.
“We have one of the best symphonies in the world right here in St. Louis,” Nelly said. “And I may have sold a bunch of records, but these are real musicians.”
They had already proven him right before he got on stage. A powerful performance of “St. Louis Blues” to help usher in the evening with Nelly. And they continued to do so with orchestrations of nearly twenty of his hits.
The show kicked off with Nelly’s Grammy Award-winning hit “Shake Ya Tailfeather” and jumped right into “Air Force Ones.”
He’s known for his melodic delivery, but his performance last night was almost fully in song form with Nelly showcasing tenor chops that could stand on their own in the R&B game. The show itself was less hype than a typical Nelly offering, which is understandable for a night at the symphony.
The music was masterfully arranged and the grandeur of the collaboration with the symphony gave a new appreciation for the musical elements of Nelly’s signature sound – which blurs the lines between rapping at singing. Rapper/singer hybrids are par for the course these days, but it was quite the hip-hop innovation (at least for male rappers) when Nelly came along nearly 20 years ago.
He enjoyed a fully engaged audience for nearly his entire set – which featured a set list that felt more like his personal favorites than a greatest hits performance.
“I’m from the Lou and I’m proud,” the crowd shouted in unison, even before Nelly had a chance to chime in with the lyric as he performed his breakthrough hit “Country Grammar.”
The song helped give St. Louis its own space on hip-hop’s map – and paved the way for Nelly to become one of the most commercially successful rappers in history.
But as he stood before the crowd, he seemed as in awe of performing at Powell Hall as any other milestone in his storied career.
He told the crowd that this performance was his fifth being backed by a symphony in concert, but to do so at home conjured memories and emotions.
“I remember seeing the Nutcracker here when I was a kid,” Nelly said.
He implied that of all the stages he’s been on, that being in concert with the symphony was yet another item to cross off of his bucket list.
“This is truly an honor,” Nelly said. “It feels good to be home.”
It clearly also felt good to have him home. The night that saw people dancing in the aisles and on their feet rapping along word for word nearly the entire duration of his 90-plus minute set that included “E.I.,” “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma,” “Body on Me,” “Over and Over” and plenty of others.
“You a cold piece, cuz,” Nelly said to St. Louis Symphony’s Music Director David Robertson. He was so impressed with the symphony’s arrangement and delivery of “Grillz” that he felt compelled to give props to Robertson – and extended the kudos to the musicians, which elicited a rousing ovation.
“They make me sound like I know what I’m doing up here.”
Nelly, I know that U rocked the house in Ur home town and tonite I know that U are gonna rock the house in mines, which is BALTIMORE. U and Janet Jackson. I am one of Ur biggest fans. Nelly, I Love U. See U tonite!!
Nelly,I know that U rocked the house in Ur home town and tonite I know that Ur going to rock the house in mines, which is BALTIMORE. U and Janet Jackson. I am one of Ur biggest fans. Nelly, I Love U”!!! See U tonite
Awesome! Nelly is dressing like a grown up now!! Love it!
I always loved Nelly. He is a great performer and he likes to put a little swag in his performance. St. Louis showed him mad love and I know he appreciated his hometown showing up and showing for him.
This is beautiful for Nelly & his family. Many more successes and much love to Ashanti, his family and new little one. 💕
Nelly is a successful rapper and
singer. He has exposed country
music to his people and mattered it.
Nelly is a consummate pro and makes me proud that he represents St. Louis so well. Rhonda did such an awesome of raising him to be such a great human being.
I know that show was great. Nelly is a super star.
I. Like. Nelly. Sell. His. A. Good. Rappers. I. Love. All. This. Sing
Cool. Dude.
I love reading about Nelly being back home in concert
Wats up Nelly I today really wish you could have Convinced my Nephew latrell To come to the studio with you and Lunatics When you record it country grammar I believe he would alive today
We love you NELLY
Greetings Nelly, We Pray as the UCHS Alumni Association, we have an “Forgiven” opportunity one day to right the wrong and have you come home to your Almateur, University City High School and perform on the stage of your school. We are ever so PROUD of You. Congratulations and continued Blessings in all your “Accomplishments” and “Achievements”! Very Respectfully,
UCHS c/o ’84
AA Ambassadors
Donna R. Smith
Dorthea Nevils
I just loved this newsworthy piece on Nelly and The St Louis symphony orchestra. The writer Kenya made me feel like I was right there in the front row enjoying the sights and sounds of the concert. I really enjoyed reading this beautifully written piece. Thank you
Yeah Honey I can’t wait to hear about it I will buy it !!!
I so wish for a small video peek.
Love you nelly,you got you swag back,marry the love of your life GOD has blessed this couple
Greetings, Cornell. We hope and pray as members of the University City High School Alumni Association (UCHSAA) that we will have an opportunity to right the wrong of the school district administration of earlier years and to have you come home to perform on the stage at your alma mater. Repentance and reconciliation are long overdue on the school district’s part. We also want for you to connect with our University City School District students, as your wealth of knowledge in your profession and your life experiences can be a source of inspiration and aspiration. We are so PROUD of you and want to reconnect with you.
Congratulations and may you continue to be blessed in all of your endeavors, accomplishments, and achievements!
Very Respectfully,
UCHS Class of ’84
Alumni Association Ambassadors
Dorthea B. Nevils, your 9th grade English teacher
Donna R. Smith
That’s awesome. Congrats on an amazing career Nelly.
I wish I could have seen that. I fel like I missed out on a collaboration for the history books. I hope I can get the dvd.
I’m so happy for you Nelly been always a fan and Happy that you and your girl the one meant to be are back and a babies on its way , sweetheart Keeo Gid in everything you both do Gid Bless.
I’m so happy for you Nelly been always a fan and Happy that you and your girl the one meant to be are back and a babies on its way , sweetheart Keeo Gid in everything you both do God Bless.
We the public want hear this. Will it be on TV OR YOUTUBE
Keep the good work up
I hope they will do it again, and I hope I get to go. Hey, yay, Saint Louis
Awesome 👍😎 love me some Nelly took him off my bucket 🪣 list in June, saw him in San Francisco in june with Janet Jackson, wonderful! amazingly awesome performances.
So very proud of you, Nelly. Thank you for your musical improvisation and leadership! Awesome, dude!!
I Think Nelly was amazing his Home land of the free.. Looking finer than ever we 💕 zlove you from Spartanburg Sc
Omgggggh How did I miss this😭😭😭😭
I’m So Happy For You Nelly!#ItsGoingDownDownBaby!
To one of the best to have ever done it… Nelly Nelly Nelly I’m from New York the slogan here is New York’s Finest that said Nelly you are ST. Louis Finest Blessings continue to be with you
It was so much genuine fun!
I would love to see this live performance
Nelly Is One Sexy Hot Boy It’s Hot N Here🔥🔥🔥🔥
I heard and that Nelly you are also on and New Chapter with your New family This right now your orchestra music is Great for ya..you look again bi say relaxing and happier Than ever keep up the amazing work My true too the Game St.louis player
Sounds like a wonderful time.
That’s got to be a proud moment for him and the symphony. I also remember attending the Powell Symphony Hall as a child and it’s so beautiful and you feel the music 🎶. It seems that Nelly is doing so great in his prime and blessed to have a new beautiful wife and family. Much love ❤️ and blessings to you and Ashanti on y’all’s new bundle of joy 🤩
I would to have live to been there. Can you jam with Cleveland, Ohio Orchestra?
What a great accomplishment. Nelly is an artist that has become a real shoe stopper with the ability and appeal to please his audiences.
Nelly is that dude
He is awesome. He’s one of my favorite Rappers. He’s a musical genious, very talented and handsome. Love Him. A few of my favorite songs Hot in herre, Country grammer, EI, and Air Force one, to name a few. Love Him 💕
I just wish , I was there …Nelly God Blessed you .And, keep up the good music.
St. Louis finest 💙 👌🏾 okay! NELLY always puts on a very good show. I’m so very Happy for him and Mrs.H may God continue to bless 🙌🏾 you and your family! Much LOVE 2U2
❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽
Congratulations! We have love for you!
I’m so jealous. I’d of love to have been there! I’m so proud of Nelly. He turned into a pretty outstanding man. May God bless you and your family, Nelly!
I didn’t know anything about this event. My granddaughter and I, were just searching for a concert of Nelly’s near us. This ,for certain, would have been a must see. With Love and Prayers for you Nelly. God Bless
Great job
Wow 😳 he is my favorite he dope for showing love
What about an uncore performance? My Wife and I missed this one!
Congratulations to you and you always have my support ❤️ 💙 💜 🙌.
I hate I miss that event I am so proud of Nelly putting himself in a good position great excellent Talent standing up for St Louis always and well much success continually in the future
Love this. Nelly is a great example of a successful Artist and role model. He is the epiphany of what hard work looks like and and I commend him for his vision and collaborative exihbition with the St. Louis symphony orchestra. Salute to Nelly & Ashanti and congratulations on your new addition to your family.
I love Nelly and Ashanti and the new little life that they are bringing into this world Allah has truly blessed them both they keep on keeping their faith in Allah and Allah will continue to bless them both and with the new addition to both of their families.
Wanted to hear what he was singing
It’s probably all coming full circle for him. You’ve opened your eyes and realize “I’ve made it”. Everyone deserves some genuine love in their lifetime. I may never meet you but, I am very proud of you! May God continue to bless both you and your wife. You probably feel it was a long time coming. But, young man you have arrived. May God continue to bless you and your entire village.🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾
I just saw Nelly touring with Janet Jackson. Nelly started off and had the whole place singing along and dancing. Ages from 20 something to 70 something. Me being the 70 something. SUBERB CONCERT.
Go Nelly and the St Louis Symphony!!
Awesome collaboration 👌
Nelly, always do great performances, where he go.
Go Nelly! I would have loved to hear your music with the sympathy orchestra behind you. I can imagine it sounding good! I am from the Lou and I am proud. I am proud that we are from the same place. Keep spreading the positivity and showing the world how we do. Much love?
GOD is truly blessing Nelly! 🙌 To perform with the St. Louis Symphony at home is an extraordinarily beautiful honor! CONGRATULATIONS NELLY 🎊
Beautiful just love Nelly so. Best wishes for your future to come.
I’m m so PROUD of YOU ALL, Nelly for who you are The Symphony & Robinson – amazing
There’s no place like hm Nelly got it in yall ok luv you Nelly
Nelly.got it in ……luv it
Keep doing.what you do Cuzz LOU FOREVER