The Minnesota State Fair is set to close its 2025 Grandstand Concert Series with a powerhouse lineup featuring hip-hop icon Nelly, joined by special guests Ja Rule, Mýa, and the Ying Yang Twins. The highly anticipated performance is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, promising a night filled with nostalgic hits and energetic performances at the heart of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
This significant music announcement marks the final addition to the fair’s 2025 Grandstand schedule, bringing a vibrant mix of late 90s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B to the iconic venue. Tickets for the event, which starts at 7:00 PM, went on sale on Friday, July 18, with prices ranging from $54 to $121.75 for reserved seating and party deck access.
Nelly: A Hip-Hop Pioneer Takes the Stage
Headlining the evening is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., universally known as Nelly. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Nelly has cemented his status as a multiplatinum, three-time Grammy award-winning artist. Since his explosive debut in 2000 with the album “Country Grammar,” which featured the title track and the hit single “Ride wit Me,” Nelly has consistently redefined the boundaries of hip-hop music. His sophomore album, “Nellyville” (2002), spawned back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, “Hot in Herre” and the Kelly Rowland-assisted “Dilemma,” further solidifying his commercial dominance and critical acclaim. Nelly is celebrated not only for his distinctive vocals and charismatic stage presence but also for his pioneering work in blending genres, notably with his country-infused hit “Over and Over” featuring Tim McGraw. His career boasts numerous accolades, including nine Billboard Music Awards, and he has been recognized as one of the best-selling hip-hop artists in American history. His performance at the Minnesota State Fair is anticipated to be a captivating journey through his extensive catalog of chart-topping music.
Special Guests: A Lineup of Legends
Accompanying Nelly will be a roster of influential artists who have each left an indelible mark on the music industry. Rapper Ja Rule, known for his ability to meld aggressive rhymes with smooth R&B hooks, will bring his signature sound to the Grandstand. His career is punctuated by massive hits and memorable collaborations, including “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti, “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” with Jennifer Lopez, and “Mesmerize.” Ja Rule’s contributions to pop rap and his prolific output in the early 2000s made him a constant presence on the charts and a fixture in the music conversation.
Adding to the star power is Grammy-winning R&B and pop artist Mýa. With a career spanning over 25 years, Mýa first captivated audiences in the late 1990s with her double-platinum debut album and subsequent hits like “It’s All About Me” and “Case of the Ex.” Her role in the Oscar-winning film “Chicago” and her Grammy win for the iconic “Lady Marmalade” collaboration further cemented her status as a versatile entertainer. Her presence adds a smooth, soulful dimension to the night’s musical offerings.
Rounding out the stellar lineup are the Ying Yang Twins, the Atlanta-based hip-hop duo comprising D-Roc and Kaine. They rose to prominence in the early 2000s as pioneers of the crunk music movement, delivering high-energy party anthems such as “Salt Shaker,” “Wait (The Whisper Song),” and the massive collaboration “Get Low” with Lil Jon. Their distinctive style, characterized by shouted choruses and infectious beats, made them a staple in clubs and radio waves, defining a significant era in Southern hip-hop.
The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand: A Legacy of Live Music
The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand has a storied history of hosting major musical acts since 1962. Over the decades, the venue has welcomed legendary artists from virtually every genre, establishing itself as a premier destination for live music during the annual fair. From classic rock bands to country superstars and contemporary pop artists, the Grandstand consistently draws large crowds, offering festival-goers a chance to experience top-tier entertainment alongside the fair’s traditional attractions. The booking of Nelly, Ja Rule, Mýa, and Ying Yang Twins reflects the fair’s commitment to celebrating diverse music histories and delivering memorable concert experiences.
The convergence of these iconic artists at the Minnesota State Fair on August 30, 2025, promises an unforgettable evening that pays homage to a golden era of hip-hop and R&B music. Fans can expect a night filled with beloved hits, energetic performances, and a celebration of enduring musical legacies that continue to resonate today. This closing act is poised to be a highlight of the 2025 Minnesota State Fair’s entertainment calendar.
