The early 2000s was a particular golden era for hip hop and R&B lovers.
Everything from the production, the beats, right through to the swag, the music video aesthetics and colourful personalities made the hits hit harder – ultimately leading to some truly memorable artists and music.It's why touring concepts such as RNB Fridayz have maintained such a solid following in Australia; giving fans the opportunity to see artists they grew up with perform, many for the first time.
For the artists, a lot of whom likely weren't able to tour Australia during the peak of that decade, it's been a moment to reconnect and get the flowers from Australian fans that have been held onto for literal years.
On a cool Thursday night in Melbourne (27 March), hip hop and 2000s culture fans were brought out to John Cain Arena to see Nelly and the St. Lunatics. Supported by fellow St. Louis rapper Chingy, a night like this – to any passing fan of the hits – was always going to be a home run of an event.
Chingy, who himself made an impact with his debut album 'Jackpot' back in 2003, is a surprising but fun name to see on the bill. In other territories, Nelly and the St. Lunatics are welcoming artists like Jermaine Dupri, Eve, Ja Rule and Fabolous to the line-up.
Chingy - image © Jeda Aubs
There's something nostalgic, sure, about seeing artists like this perform, so many years on from the peak we remember, but if anything, a show like this serves as a reminder of just how good the culture was back then.
There was a definitive stamp around this time, that hip hop was crossing further into the realms of mainstream success thanks to artists like Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and more collaborating with pop artists and blurring the lines between expectation and reality of what it meant to be a rap star.
Sticking in the present though, and Chingy does well in getting the crowd warmed up for the main event. A tight set that ran through the hits ('Holidae In', 'Balla Baby', 'One Call Away'), with some newer material peppered in for good measure.
Capping things off with his biggest hit, 'Right Thurr', was perfectly timed – for day one fans, it was a triumphant finish and for those coming to his music for the first time, a great moment of acknowledgement.
For Nelly and the St. Lunatics, determining a set list that captured the energy of their 20-plus year career would not have been an easy feat, but they managed to manoeuvre in and out of eras with ease.
Nelly and the St. Lunatics - image © Jeda Aubs
The dynamic the rappers share onstage is one full of chemistry and the type of ease that only comes from knowing one another for much of their lives. Of course, the majority of the crowd would have been more familiar with Nelly's solo catalogue, but it's not to say St. Lunatics were unable to hold their own.
Murphy Lee, especially, was a highlight – he was always a talented rapper, but seeing him execute bars with great control and emphasis was properly impressive, 20-odd years on.
Nelly ensured his brothers had their time to shine, and this show felt like a proper acknowledgement of their shared history and the music they've brought to the game.
A dream run of songs from 'Batter Up' and 'Country Grammar', through to moments like 'Grillz', 'Pimp Juice', 'Medicine' and 'Air Force Ones' only reinforced the fact that Nelly's catalogue is not to be messed with; certainly, the chokehold he had on music through the 2000s needs to be admired.
Across the 1.5 hour set, the crowd weren't given many opportunities to settle, the pump-up anthems continuing to roll out and provide a great atmosphere for people to immerse themselves in. Even during the slower moments like 'Dilemma', the crowd's participation grew the love song into something much bigger.
Nelly and the St. Lunatics - image © Jeda Aubs
For a group like Nelly and the St. Lunatics, their impact within the hip hop industry is well-deserved and in some ways, underrated. The St. Louis collective made their first breakthrough in 1996, though it wasn't until 2000 when major label and acclaim came calling.
The release of Nelly's smash debut album 'Country Grammar' put his midwest style and charisma on broader radars, and in terms of the St. Lunatics' individual careers, fans saw solo records by the likes of Murphy Lee and Ali, further defining the sound of the time.
While their relationship has seen ups and downs, their reunion for this 'Where The Party At?' Australian tour has indicated that all is well in the camp.
- written by Sosefina Fuamoli
