St. Lunatics Sue Nelly Over Copyright Claims

Nelly is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit from his former group, the St. Lunatics, who allege he failed to credit them for their contributions to his 2000 album 'Country Grammar.' Members Ali Jones, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud claim that despite Nelly's assurances of payment and credit, they were cut out of royalties and acknowledgments for eight songs, including hits like 'Batter Up' and 'Country Grammar.' The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, seeks not only proper credit but also damages and attorney's fees. The St. Lunatics argue that their claims are based on copyright infringement rather than ownership due to the statute of limitations on the latter. They became aware of their lack of credit following a separate lawsuit from Willie Woods Jr. regarding unpaid royalties for 'Ride Wit Me.' Nelly's representatives have not yet responded to the allegations.