St. Lunatics

The St. Lunatics are a pioneering hip-hop collective from St. Louis, formed in 1993 by childhood friends Nelly, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Slo’Down. Widely credited with helping put St. Louis on the national hip-hop map, the group first built a regional following with their independent hit “Gimme What U Got” before breaking through nationally alongside Nelly’s meteoric solo success.

Following the multi-platinum success of Nelly’s debut album Country Grammar, the St. Lunatics released their own debut album, Free City, in 2001. The project debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, reached No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and was certified Platinum in the United States. Powered by singles including “Midwest Swing,” “Summer in the City,” and “Let Me In Now,” the album showcased the group’s signature blend of Midwest swagger, melodic hooks, and street-rooted storytelling.

Beyond their collective success, the St. Lunatics launched the careers of several standout artists, most notably Nelly and Murphy Lee, while maintaining a lasting influence on the sound and culture of Midwestern hip-hop. More than two decades after Free City, the group’s legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of St. Louis music history. Recent reports have also pointed to a potential reunion project, signaling renewed interest in one of hip-hop’s most influential hometown crews.