Summer’s Biggest Hip Hop Reunion: Eve Joins Nelly and Ja Rule Tour
Riley Carter here. Let’s unpack this without trying too hard.
The summer of 2024 will mark a nostalgic return to hip hop roots as Eve joins forces with Nelly and Ja Rule for a 20-city trek across North America, according to People Magazine and Billboard.
Tickets officially go on sale May 3, with opening night set for July 15 at Chicago’s United Center. Stops include key markets like New York’s Madison Square Garden on July 27 and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on August 9, per details in Billboard. Fans can expect a full evening of late ’90s and early 2000s anthems delivered in high-energy sets.
In an exclusive chat with People Magazine, Eve shared her excitement about sliding back into her girl-rapper role after years in television and film. “It feels like time stood still,” she said. “Getting back onstage with Nelly and Ja Rule is like meeting old friends you forgot you missed.” Her comment nods to the chemistry the trio established on Festival lawns two decades ago.
Nelly, whose crossover smash “Hot in Herre” still fuels dance floors, will headline alongside Ja Rule, famous for chart-toppers like “Always on Time.” Sources tell New York Post that Eve plans to pepper her setlist with fan favorites including “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and deeper cuts from her catalog to keep die-hard supporters satisfied. The three acts will rotate closing duties on different nights, a format meant to highlight each star’s unique catalogue.
Stage production is rumored to blend stadium-sized lighting rigs with intimate video interludes showing behind-the-scenes footage. Rolling rehearsals in Atlanta this spring revealed costumes that nod to each artist’s early career style—think Eve’s signature baseball cap meets Ja Rule’s bandana and Nelly’s iconic chainmail shirt.
Beyond the music, the tour aims to tap into the current wave of nostalgia for early-2000s pop culture. Merchandise bundles include limited-edition vinyl box sets and vintage-style tees that recreate original album art, according to promotional flyers reviewed by Billboard. VIP packages offer meet-and-greet opportunities and pre-show soundcheck access, giving superfans an insider moment with all three headliners.
For Eve, this marks a decisive return to her musical roots after a successful run as a TV host and actress. “Music was my first love,” she told People Magazine. “Getting to do this tour feels like coming home.” Industry insiders say the collaboration could spark a wave of similar co-headlining tours among veteran hip hop acts looking to capitalize on retro cachet.
Expect surprise guest appearances, throwback visuals, and enough chart classics to fuel every set. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this lineup promises an unapologetic dive into turn-of-the-century hip hop.
Okay cool, so like, yeah, that happened.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Billboard, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
