Nelly is probably the most polarizing grandstand act announced for the 2023 Missouri State Fair, if not the most polarizing act of the last few fairs. Yet, Generation X and Millennials grew up with Nelly's music and I'd consider him a mass-appeal artist for those generations.

Today has been a busy day for concert announcements from the Missouri State Fair. Earlier today the Fair announced Lainey Wilson will headline the grandstand show on Friday, August 11. Now they've announced that a rapper raised and beloved in St. Louis will headline the Fair on Friday, August 18.

Nelly shot to stardom by being the standout member of the St. Louis rap collective St. Lunatics, then signed a record deal, which scored him the hits "Country Grammer", "Ride With Me" and "Hot In Here". The rapper's also known for the hits "Dilemma" with Kelly Rowland and the Top 5 single "Air Force Ones".

According to Wikipedia Music journalist Peter Shapiro, who has written for Spin and Vibe, describes Nelly's rapping style as, "unforgettable hooks based on schoolyard songs, double-dutch chants, and nonsense rhymes and has a Missouri twang."

Nelly is ranked third on Billboard's Definitive List of the Top-Selling Artists of the 2000s and has won multiple awards throughout his career. His awards include three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards.

As of today, Nelly is probably the most polarizing grandstand act announced for the 2023 Missouri State Fair, if not the most polarizing act of the last few fairs. Yet, Generation X and Millennials grew up with Nelly's music and I'd consider him a mass-appeal artist for those generations. Additionally, as a Missourian, he is every bit deserving of entertaining at one of Missouri's biggest yearly celebrations as fellow Missourian Sheryl Crow.

No other act has been announced with Nelly, although, that doesn't mean the Missouri State Fair won't announce an opener or co-headliner at some point in the future. Tickets for Nelly are priced at $40 for grandstand seats and $50 for seats on the track. Ticket prices do not include fees and fair admission tickets.

Tickets for all Missouri State Fair grandstand shows go on sale Tuesday, June 27 through ETix. The Missouri State Fair Box Office will open for walk-up sales that day at 12:00 PM CDT. Watch our app and listen to the station for possible opportunities to buy or win tickets to Missouri State Fair concerts before the public on-sale date.

The Missouri State Fair lineup so far:

  • Thursday, August 10, Tyler Hubbard
  • Friday, August 11, Lainey Wilson
  • Wednesday, August 16, Cory Asbury and CAIN
  • Friday, August 18, Nelly

50 Famous Brands That No Longer Exist

KEEP READING: See the richest person in every state

More From AM 1050 KSIS