Nelly Fires Back at Ali’s Lawsuit Over Royalties, Accusing Him of Bad Faith
Nelly has responded to former St. Lunatics member Ali’s $50 million lawsuit, accusing the rapper of waiting too long to claim owed royalties. In legal documents filed on January 23, Nelly’s team argues that the three-year statute of limitations under copyright law bars Ali’s claims. They point to a 2021 letter where they rejected Ali’s ownership claims, making the new lawsuit outside the allowable window.
Nelly’s legal team also suggests that Ali’s failure to include the 2021 letter in the lawsuit is an act of bad faith. The lawsuit, originally filed on behalf of the St. Lunatics, accuses Nelly of withholding royalties from the group’s contributions to his debut album Country Grammar. Ali claims copyright infringement and unjust enrichment, but Nelly’s team counters that he cannot sue for infringement under copyright law if Ali is truly a co-owner.
Additionally, they argue that the unjust enrichment claim is preempted by federal copyright law and that Ali’s lawsuit is “objectively frivolous,” requesting that Ali and his legal team face sanctions and pay for Nelly’s legal fees.
Ali is now the sole remaining plaintiff, as other St. Lunatics members—Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud—have withdrawn their support for the lawsuit. The original complaint alleged that Nelly had manipulated the group into believing they were paid for their work on Country Grammar, a claim Nelly’s team vehemently denies.
