Nelly brings out City Spud to perform “Ride Wit Me”
Nelly and City Spud’s “Ride Wit Me” Reunion Lights Up Vegas
Nostalgia took center stage in Las Vegas when Nelly and City Spud reunited for a live performance of their iconic hit “Ride Wit Me.” Fans witnessed a powerful moment as the half-brothers performed together, reigniting memories of their Country Grammar era. With City Spud back by Nelly’s side after years away from the spotlight, the reunion was more than just music—it was a celebration of redemption, brotherhood, and the power of second chances.
This article explores how the Ride Wit Me reunion brought Nelly and City Spud full circle, revisiting their early success, City Spud’s incarceration, the evolution of Midwest hip-hop, and the broader impact of imprisonment on hip-hop artists like Tory Lanez and Fetty Wap.
The Country Grammar Legacy
Nelly and City Spud were integral to Country Grammar’s success. The debut album from Nelly, produced by Jay E, topped the Billboard 200 and was certified diamond, selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Tracks like “E.I.,” “Batter Up,” and “Country Grammar (Hot S***),” defined a sound that felt both Southern and Midwestern, bringing national attention to St. Louis.
City Spud’s early involvement in the group St. Lunatics, along with writing credits on multiple tracks, solidified his place in hip-hop history. But his incarceration just before Nelly’s rise created a tragic rift in their shared momentum.
A Long-Awaited Reunion for Nelly and City Spud
In early July Nelly and City Spud shared a stage for the first time in years during Nelly’s Las Vegas residency at Zouk Nightclub, part of a sold-out Independence Day weekend set. As the crowd sang along to “Ride Wit Me,” a top-5 Billboard Hot 100 hit from 2000, City Spud emerged to join Nelly for a verse that marked his long-awaited return.
With excitement in his voice, Nelly shouted, “Make some noise for my brother City Spud—this right here is family!” Fans on X reacted instantly. One post that quickly went viral read, “This is the most St. Louis thing ever. Nelly and City Spud still got it!”
The Song That Changed Everything: “Ride Wit Me”
Released in 2000 as the third single off Country Grammar, “Ride Wit Me” became one of the biggest summer anthems of the early 2000s. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced listeners to Nelly’s melodic, laid-back style—and to City Spud’s lyrical contributions.
Although City Spud was incarcerated by the time the song blew up, his verse became iconic, often cited by fans as one of the most memorable parts of the track. The 2025 live performance gave him a long-overdue opportunity to perform it in front of a massive audience.
City Spud’s Incarceration and Return to Music
Born Lavell Webb, City Spud was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a 1999 robbery. He was released in 2008, missing nearly a decade of his career’s peak. Nelly has long spoken about how that loss affected the group’s dynamic and his personal motivation to succeed.
“Ride Wit Me was our moment—but it felt incomplete without Spud there,” Nelly said in a 2016 interview.
After his release, City Spud returned to music, reuniting with the St. Lunatics and appearing on the 2010 mixtape City Free. However, his appearances remained rare—making this 2025 performance with Nelly even more powerful.
Nelly’s Career Since the 2000s
Since his breakout, Nelly has become a multi-hyphenate icon. With hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland), and “Just a Dream,” he’s sold more than 21 million albums in the U.S. and won three Grammy Awards.
Beyond music, he launched fashion brands Vokal and Apple Bottoms, acted in movies like The Longest Yard, and became a recurring face on TV competitions like Dancing With the Stars. He also reunited with his ex-girlfriend Ashanti. Leading to a new baby and a new marriage. In 2025, his Las Vegas residency shows that his appeal remains as strong as ever—especially when he brings out legends like City Spud.
Hip-Hop and the Incarceration Pipeline
The story of Nelly and City Spud highlights a painful reality for many hip-hop artists: incarceration often disrupts careers before they fully take off. While Spud was fortunate to return and reclaim part of his legacy, other artists have not been as lucky.
Tory Lanez
In 2022, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. While he attempted to maintain his career from behind bars, the controversy led to a major career fallout. His 2025 prison album Peterson received modest attention but failed to repair his public image.
Fetty Wap
Fetty Wap, once known for “Trap Queen,” is currently serving a 6-year sentence for drug trafficking charges. His incarceration stalled a promising comeback that had just begun to build traction again.
Big Lurch and Others
Big Lurch’s life sentence in 2003 ended his music career entirely. Other rappers like Mac Phipps and C-Murder faced convictions where their lyrics were used as evidence. Further proving that hip-hop artists often face criminalization in uniquely harsh ways.
The Nelly and City Spud reunion offers a rare, hopeful twist on this narrative. Highlighting that it is possible to come back, reconnect, and rewrite your legacy.
The St. Louis Sound: Then and Now
Country Grammar was the spark that ignited the St. Louis sound. Ultimately, influencing artists like Chingy, J-Kwon, and Huey. The mix of Southern basslines, catchy choruses, and Midwestern flavor became a regional signature.
Today, artists from the region continue to pay homage to Nelly and City Spud’s influence. New voices like 30 Deep Grimeyy and Smino credit the duo’s success. Specifically, as a blueprint for carving out a national lane without needing to relocate to LA, Atlanta, or New York.
Why This Moment Mattered in 2025
The 2025 Nelly and City Spud reunion was more than just a concert moment. It was a reminder of hip-hop’s capacity for healing. As brothers, artists, and survivors of the industry’s highs and lows, their reunion offered hope to fans who’ve followed them since day one. Although another official St. Lunatics reunion hasn’t been confirmed, the possibility is becoming real.
The authenticity of their bond, paired with the timeless energy of “Ride Wit Me,” made this performance one for the books. On social media, the reaction was clear: “This wasn’t just a concert. It was history.”