Staff report

Rapper Nelly, who drew a huge crowd at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre in 2021, returns to the Mahoning Valley for a Sept. 13 concert at the Covelli Centre.

In 2000 Nelly released his debut album, “Country Grammar,” which sold more than 10 million copies and included the hits “Ride Wit Me” and the title track. Its blend of hip-hop, pop and country was barrier-breaking at the time and remains prevalent in modern country today.

The three-time Grammy winner’s other hits include “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma,” “Air Force Ones” and “Just a Dream.”

Opening the show will be the Ying Yang Twins, who are known for such songs as “Salt Shaker,” “Wait (The Whisper Song)” and “Shake,” and collaborations with Lil Jon and Britney Spears.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show start at $49.50 (plus fees) and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at the Covelli Centre’s Southwoods Health box office and through Ticketmaster. An online-only presale starts at 10 a.m. Thursday with the password: SHIMMY.