On a lively December evening in St. Louis, Nelly and Ashanti turned heads at the famed rapper’s annual Black and White Charity Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel.
As guests gathered at the elegant venue on December 15, the air buzzed with excitement when the pair made their entry. Known for their vibrant chemistry, Nelly and Ashanti were the epitome of charm and affection. A source revealed how the couple took time to share with attendees about their joy as new parents, highlighting how their son, jokingly referred to as ‘baby KK,’ lights up whenever Nelly is around. Their playful nature was on full display during this grand affair.
The evening truly took a musical turn when Ashanti joined Nelly on stage. She effortlessly captivated the audience with her 2002 hit “What’s Luv” and dynamically altered the lyrics of another classic, “Baby,” in a heartwarming nod to their baby boy. “Make some noise for my God damn beautiful wife,” Nelly declared to the audience, his pride evident and infectious.
Beyond the glitz and music, the event carried a profound purpose. Nelly dedicated efforts to raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A beautiful highlight of the night was when he fulfilled a 14-year-old’s wish by gifting a brand-new home theater system, a moment that brought smiles and tears of joy. Furthering his generosity, Nelly awarded a full-ride scholarship to a sophomore from Harris-Stowe State University, demonstrating his commitment to education and community support.
Nelly’s contributions were additionally recognized with a symbolic key to the city—a gesture bestowed with pride, hinting at an upcoming festival collaboration with Metro Boomin in 2025. This gala evening was attended by an impressive lineup of celebrities such as Ne-Yo, Metro Boomin, Jermaine Dupri, and many more, making it the talk of the town.
Earlier this year, the couple had joyfully announced the arrival of their son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, via Instagram in August, and fans have been eager to learn more about their journey into parenthood. Ashanti openly expressed the delight she finds in motherhood, describing her son as a blessing and highlighting his strikingly strong connection with his father, noting with a laugh his resemblance to Nelly’s temper, particularly around feeding times.
Looking back on the year, the couple also celebrated their engagement and later marriage, adding another layer of excitement and love to their life together. Ashanti reflected on these milestones with gratitude, emphasizing the support from her family, friends, and fans who stood by her throughout her career and personal developments.
The Black and White Charity Ball wasn’t just an evening of entertainment; it was a celebration of love, community, and cherished new beginnings for Nelly and Ashanti. With music, laughter, and heartfelt gestures, it stood as a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion and the joy it brings.
