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🔥 Nelly in Ottawa: A Night of Hip-Hop Nostalgia and Unmatched Energy
Nelly in Ottawa was the kind of show you circle on the calendar and count down the days for. On Monday night, the Where The Party At Tour lit up the Canadian Tire Centre with a stacked lineup of hip-hop royalty: Nelly, Ja Rule, Chingy, and the St. Lunatics. It was a throwback to the early 2000s, and everyone in the building came ready to party. Whether you grew up on these tracks or discovered them on TikTok, this was a celebration of a golden era in hip-hop, and the energy was off the charts from start to finish.
Chingy Gets the Crowd Jumpin’ Early
Chingy hit the stage first, and he wasted no time proving he still knows how to command a crowd. This was my first time seeing him live, and he made a killer first impression. From the opening notes the arena was vibing. Chingy owned every inch of the stage, bouncing from one side to the other, constantly engaging with fans. His set was packed with hits like “Pullin’ Me Back” and “Holidae In,” and the crowd sang every word like it was 2004 all over again.
What stood out the most was his energy – it was authentic, infectious, and full of joy. Chingy brought that St. Louis swagger, reminding everyone why his sound left such a mark on the charts and our memories. If the night started as a warm-up, he turned it into a full-on dance party in just a few tracks.
JaRule Brings the Heat
Next up was Ja Rule — and he made an entrance that set the tone right away. Starting his set from a bed on stage (yes, you read that right), Ja Rule added drama, laughs, and instant intrigue. But once he was up, dressed, and in performance mode, he hit the gas and didn’t slow down.
His set was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. From “Always On Time” and “Put It On Me” to “Mesmerize,” the crowd was right there with him, belting out every word. He even made his way into the audience mid-show, giving fans an up-close moment they’ll never forget.
Beyond the hits, Ja Rule’s stage presence was magnetic. You could see how much fun he was having, and that love for performing translated straight to the fans. His green suit costume change? Iconic. His charisma? Unmatched.
Nelly Takes Over With Club Derrty
And then… it was time for Nelly in Ottawa. The lights dropped, the beat dropped, and Nelly exploded onto the stage. With the St. Lunatics backing him and a killer stage setup that included multi-level platforms and a VIP “Club Derrty” section on stage, it felt less like a concert and more like the hottest party in the city.
Nelly ran through a dream setlist: “Country Grammar,” “E.I.,” “Air Force Ones,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Ride Wit Me” all made appearances. Every beat hit hard, and every lyric brought a rush of nostalgia. The crowd’s energy peaked when Nelly closed it down with “Just a Dream,” a moment that had everyone swaying and singing together.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, special guests Murphy Lee and J-Kwon popped up. Murphy brought his signature flow to the stage, while J-Kwon dropped “Tipsy,” sending the arena into full-blown party mode.
Just A Dream — And One Epic Night
Nelly in Ottawa wasn’t just another stop on the tour — it was a highlight. Chingy brought the fire, Ja Rule brought the heart, and Nelly brought the house down. From the hits to the surprise guests to the electric atmosphere, it felt like stepping back in time without missing a beat.
Whether you were there for the throwbacks or the live energy, this night was one for the books. For Ottawa hip-hop fans, this wasn’t just a Monday night — it was just a dream come true.
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