Three former members of Nelly’s St. Lunatics crew—Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud—have formally withdrawn from a $50 million dollar lawsuit filed against the rapper in September.
The case initially alleged that the group was instrumental in the creation of Nelly’s groundbreaking album Country Grammar but was excluded from receiving proper credit or royalties. However, Lee, Kyjuan, and Spud swiftly denied consenting to the suit and requested their removal.
On November 22, the lawsuit was revised to reflect their departure, leaving Ali Jones as the sole plaintiff. Attorney Precious Felder Gates, representing Ali, stated that her client remains determined to recover unpaid royalties he believes are owed to him.
The St. Lunatics, a collective of high school friends from St. Louis, rose to prominence in the late ’90s with their single “Gimme What U Got.” Their debut album, Free City, came out a year after Nelly’s solo breakthrough Country Grammar and topped the Billboard 200.
Ali’s lawsuit alleges that Nelly misled the group, promising financial compensation for their contributions to his solo project but ultimately failing to deliver. The complaint claims the group trusted their longtime friend and did not initially pursue legal action, believing he would honor his word.
Despite the accusations, Spud, Kyjuan, and Lee distanced themselves from the legal battle. Notably, the trio even performed alongside Nelly at the American Music Awards, signaling their continued loyalty to the rapper.
The updated lawsuit introduces a new defendant: HarbourView Equity Partners. This firm acquired Nelly’s music catalog in a $50 million deal last year. Ali’s attorneys argue that the sizable transaction prompted the lawsuit, suggesting it underscored the value of the contested royalties. However, HarbourView was not mentioned in the original filing, raising questions about its inclusion. The company has yet to issue a statement.
As the case moves forward, it shifts from a group grievance to a personal dispute between Ali and Nelly, with broader implications for the ownership of Country Grammar’s legacy and profits.
Leave a Reply