In a surprising turn of events following their reunion at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary celebration, members of the St. Lunatics have requested to be removed from a lawsuit alleging that Nelly denied them songwriting credits for his 2000 solo debut, Country Grammar.
According to a letter dated September 24 and obtained by PEOPLE, attorney N. Scott Rosenblum stated that St. Lunatics members Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud “did not authorize” their inclusion as plaintiffs in the case and demanded their names be withdrawn immediately. Notably, these three members performed alongside Nelly during the AMAs pre-taped segment.
With three of the original four plaintiffs withdrawing, the lawsuit will now proceed solely between Ali (born Ali Jones) and Nelly (born Cornell Haynes).
The initial complaint accused Nelly, 49, of intentionally failing to give credit to the St. Lunatics for their contributions to Country Grammar. The lawsuit claims that not only did Nelly misrepresent his role as a writer and creator of the songs, but he also allowed others in his circle to receive credit and royalties that should have gone to the plaintiffs.
Formed in 1993, the St. Lunatics, comprised of Nelly, Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and Webb, claim that during the group’s early years (1993-1997), they were responsible for the majority of the songwriting while Nelly took on the performance role. Their combined success led to deals with Universal Records.
The lawsuit identifies eight specific songs—“Steal the Show,” “Thicky Thick Girl,” “Country Grammar,” “Wrap Something/Sumden,” “Batter Up,” “Iz U,” “Go,” and “Gimme What You Got”—that the members allege were primarily written by them, with Nelly contributing only “some lyrical arrangement and writing.” The plaintiffs claim they have been deprived of income, royalties, and other forms of remuneration due to the lack of credit, seeking at least $50 million in damages plus attorney fees.
Ahead of the AMA performance, Nelly addressed the lawsuit in an Instagram post, saying, “STL INVADES @amas …!!! An anyone who has a problem with that ‘Sue’ me…!!!”
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