Nelly Brings The St Lunatics Back With Metro Boomin Executive Producing New Album

The Midwest is officially warming up. Nelly has confirmed that the St Lunatics are returning with a brand new album scheduled for 2026 and Metro Boomin will executive produce the project. This marks the group’s first album in twenty five years and instantly puts St Louis back at the center of the hip hop conversation.

The announcement came during Nelly’s annual Black and White Ball where he told the crowd the St Lunatics were locked in and ready to turn up next year. The room erupted and social media did the same once word spread. For longtime fans this is the follow up that has been talked about for decades. For newer listeners this is an introduction to a group that helped shape early two thousands radio and club culture.

The upcoming album will serve as the follow up to Free City released in 2001 which arrived right after Nelly’s breakout success with Country Grammar. That era produced timeless records and positioned St Louis as a major player in mainstream hip hop. Bringing Metro Boomin into the mix bridges generations and suggests the sound will blend nostalgia with modern production that connects with today’s audience.

The group recently reunited on stage at the American Music Awards performing Air Force Ones Ride Wit Me and Hot In Herre which reignited interest in a full comeback. One missing piece was Ali whose absence was tied to a legal dispute over royalties connected to Country Grammar. That lawsuit has since been withdrawn though it remains unclear whether Ali will be part of the new project.

Regardless the announcement alone signals a major cultural moment. St Louis artists collaborating across eras with one of the biggest producers in the game feels intentional powerful and timely. The countdown to 2026 just started.

#FusionAfternoons #HipHopNews #StLHipHop #Nelly #MetroBoomin

How Rosé and Bruno Mars Turned APT Into The Biggest Global Hit Of 2025

APT did not start as a master plan. It started as curiosity friendship and a Korean drinking game. Rosé and Bruno Mars recently shared the full story behind how their collaboration became the biggest global song of 2025 and the details prove why the record feels so effortless.

Their connection began with a simple studio meeting arranged while Rosé was preparing her solo debut. She walked in ready to learn everything she could and Bruno immediately noticed how driven she was. Instead of pitching a generic pop record Rosé brought a piece of her culture into the room. That choice changed everything. Bruno has said the hook felt magical the moment he heard it and that the cultural authenticity pulled him in.

The sessions that followed were built on trust and humor. Ideas that sounded ridiculous at first became the foundation of the record and even the music video came from shared jokes and chaotic creativity. They leaned into instincts rather than chasing trends. That mindset paid off in a major way.

APT became the first number one Pop Airplay hit by a K pop artist and dominated global charts throughout the year. The song stacked billions of streams and earned historic Grammy nominations placing Rosé in rare territory as a lead K pop artist in the main categories. Bruno describes the success as already winning because the connection happened.

For Rosé the record reshaped how she views music impact and confidence. For Bruno it reaffirmed that magic cannot be forced only recognized. Together they delivered a reminder that the biggest moments often come from trusting culture chemistry and instinct.

#FusionAfternoons #PopCulture #GlobalMusic #BrunoMars #Rosé

Why A Christmas Carol at Children’s Theatre of Madison Remains a Must See Holiday Tradition

For nearly five decades A Christmas Carol at the Children’s Theatre of Madison has been a cornerstone of the holiday season, and year forty nine proves why this tradition continues to thrive. This production is not just a play. It is a shared community experience that blends storytelling music youth artistry and holiday magic into one unforgettable night.

This season is especially meaningful as CTM celebrates its sixty year anniversary. Artistic Director Brian describes the honor of carrying a tradition that shaped his own childhood while continuing to evolve it for new generations. One of the biggest changes this year is a brand new Scrooge portrayed by acclaimed actor David Allen Anderson, bringing fresh personality and energy to the role while keeping the heart of the story intact.

Jennifer, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, highlights how powerful this production is for young audiences. Every performance includes children experiencing live theater for the first time. Seeing actors musicians and dancers up close creates memories that last far beyond the holidays. Nearly half of the cast is made up of youth performers, reinforcing CTM’s mission to place young people at the center of the arts.

The show features a live four person orchestra performing an original score that weaves classic Christmas carols into a cinematic musical experience. Visually the production shines with colorful lighting effects and dozens of illuminated lamps that sparkle and shift throughout the performance, creating a true feast for the eyes.

Running through December twenty first, A Christmas Carol is recommended for ages seven and up and offers a perfect blend of whimsy warmth and reflection. Tickets and show information are available at CTM theater org. This is Madison holiday tradition at its finest.

#FusionAfternoons #MadisonEvents #CommunityArts #HolidayTradition #Madtown