Twenty-four years ago, St. Louis’ musical landscape changed.

Just one year after releasing his debut album “Country Grammar,” Nelly re-emerged with the St. Lunatics, a cadre of young, rap voices hailing from the Gateway to the West.

After meeting Ali Jones through their older cousin T-Luv, brothers Kyjuan and Murphy Lee, along with original members Nelly, City Spud and Goldee, formed the St. Lunatics in the mid-1990s.

By the time they released their debut single "Gimme What U Got" in 1996, Goldee had left the group and Ali transitioned from co-manager to groupmate. After booking their first performance, Slo Down joined the rap cadre as a the group's "silent hype man," who didn't rap but wanted to add value to the Lunatics growing movement.

The St. Lunatics ushered in a new generation o

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