BETHLEHEM, Pa. — They'll Ride Wit Him.
Full of gratitude and Midwestern charm, hip-hop performer Nelly on Wednesday turned his first appearance at Musikfest's main Steel Stage into a trip down memory lane — and the fans were just as appreciative.
Nelly and the St. Lunatics, a group formed in 1993 in St. Louis and consisting of his childhood friends Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud and Slo Down, reminded those fans why their early 2000s music still is relevant.
Even without him asking, the thousands in the crowd sang along to almost every word of his nearly 90-minute set, proving his crossover appeal, close to three decades later.
Indeed, at 50, Nelly's stage presence feels more seasoned, even gracious.
The signature Band-Aid once plastered on his cheek was gone — and he wore a light blue Musikfest 2025 tank top (was it a freebie or a kind gesture to Musikfest, you be the judge).
Early in the show, four of Nelly's fans appeared onstage alongside his dancers during a playful opening of “Where the Party At,” which set the tone for a fun, audience-driven set.
"I'm going to take this time to thank everyone of y'all for allowing your man Nelly to be here in your house tonight," he said midway through his set (other thank yous came later).
"And thank every one of y'all that's been holding down your boy for 24, 25 years."
'Ride Wit Me'
The performance served as a celebration of Nelly’s two-decade run — three Grammys Awards, multiple gold and platinum singles, and a catalog that seamlessly blends hip-hop, pop and country.
He breezed through crowd favorites such as “Ride Wit Me,” “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” and collabs such as “Dilemma” (originally with Kelly Rowland), “Tipsy” and “Hood Hop” with J-Kwon, and the country-infused “Cruise” (Florida Georgia Line) and “Over and Over” (Tim McGraw).
Sure, no Nelly show would be complete without “Hot in Herre” — the 2002 anthem that lit up airwaves and, on Wednesday, did the same with Steel Stage, as one of the final songs of the dance-worthy, sing-along party.
Nelly closed the set just as he started: with a big smile, enthusiasm, and the crowd still happy from the ride.
