St. Lunatics bandmates filed a lawsuit against former band member Nelly, aka Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., for copyright infringement. The lawsuit accused Haynes Jr. of uncredited and unpaid work for his 2000 debut album Country Grammar. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include band members Ali Jones, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud.
The band filed a $50 million lawsuit in September 2024 in New York Federal court which accused Nelly of failing to credit them for the success of his album which spearheaded his career during that time. According to Variety Magazine, Haynes Jr. and the St. Lunatics band members had known each other since childhood and wrote songs together.
However, as per a TMZ exclusive from October 2024, Nelly’s legal representative N. Scott Rosenblum stated that except for Ali Jones, the remaining three members would like to opt out of the lawsuit as they did not provide authorization for the same. Their relationship with Nelly remains untarnished. Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Haynes Jr. also performed together at the 2024 American Music Awards.
Ali Jones’ attorney Precious Felder Gates said her client will fight for the unpaid royalties that Jones was entitled to. According to Billboard, Gates said,
“Our client, Mr. Jones, is deeply committed to protecting his creative contributions and ensuring rightful compensation for his work. While others may have chosen to withdraw, his dedication to his artistic legacy and his rights as a creator remains unwavering.”
St. Lunatics filed a copyright ‘infringement’ and not ‘ownership’ lawsuit against Nelly
It is noteworthy that the band did not file a copyright ownership suit, but a copyright infringement suit, as the former has a three-year statute of limitations. Attorney Gates stated they were unconcerned about the statute of limitations and were open to a resolution, but would pursue legal action if necessary.
However, Universal Music Group (UMG) signed separate deals with Nelly and the band. As per the lawsuit, the singer released his debut album, to which the band members also contributed.
After the release of Country Grammar, the band members contacted the singer regarding their due credits in the album, which they were assured of. In 2020, it was revealed that the singer had lied about it as he took full credit for the work.
It came to light after 20 years when Willie Woods Jr filed a lawsuit regarding royalties for his single Ride Wit Me. St. Lunatics members then sent a letter to UMG regarding their ownership of Nelly’s work, but were dismissed by his legal team. Of the eight tracks in question, the notable ones are Batter Up, Steal the Show, Thicky Thick Girl, Wrap Sumden, etc.
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In 2021, a debate erupted between Ali Jones and Nelly regarding the St. Lunatics'. Reportedly, the rapper shared a clip with City Spud claiming they were the original ‘hustlers’ since the first day of the band.
In response to his claim, Ali Jones took to Instagram Live and refuted all the claims. Speaking with Christian Thompson in an interview, he addressed issues of credit, contribution, payment, etc. about St. Lunatics.
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