WATCH: NELLY'S 5TH ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE BALL, STARRING ASHANTI... (PICS + VIDEO)

Nelly (who looks like his mind is somewhere else) threw his Annual Black & White Ball at the Chase Park Plaza in St Louis, MO last night (Dec. 19th)... He is one gorgeous man. She's aiight. Cuter than usual here, we think. It's unfortunate that she gives of that "tacky" vibe. Maybe she just needs new people...*shrugs*

When the paps got her alone, she tried showed off her baubles while secretly dreaming of the day it would be an engagement ring. From Nelly, or whomever...

*UPDATE* We got video of Ashanti bestowing a serenade and lap dance on Nelly. They are OBVIOUSLY more than just friends, Ya'll. Check it out.


Pop the Trunk to see how the rest of their evening played out..

But as always, Nelly was focused on business. He had scholarships to give away after all. He is secretly hoping Ashanti won't bring up the whole marriage thing at the end of the night. He'll keep the champagne pouring.

Nelly and Ashanti are claim to be "just friends" but they always give reason for speculation. Case in point above. Wheretheydothatat?

Nelly was the honoree of the evening. Per our source, "professional athletes, high powered promoters to business owners and execs came together for the invitation only event, helping pay homage to a hometown hero who uses the gala to give back".

Rams Players Steven Jackson and Chris Long, Bill and Ira DeWitt, Joe Edwards, Mike Roberts, St. Lunatics and the Derrty Ent. Family and more came out to fellowship and help Nelly honor recipients of the 2011 Black and White Gala Scholarship at Lindenwood University. Music super-producer and Nelly’s longtime friend Jermaine Dupri was in the building as well.

Two students were awarded a full scholarship to the school and Ricky Whittington (of Plaza Motors) received recognition from the university’s Black Student Union for “having the creative foresight to bring Nelly, Plaza Motors and Lindenwood together to create the Black and White Scholarship.”

Ashanti wasn't only Nelly's date, she was the night's paid headlined entertainment...

We were looking for the video to see whether or not she stepped up her stage game over the years. Didn't find it. Based on this pic, we'd say not. *UPDATE* Scroll up for video of Ashanti's serenade to Nelly. Not that bad!

"When all else fails, dip it low"...

Nelly seemed to enjoy the show though. (Does he look mesmerized, or what?) And, um, so did Jermaine Dupri. (We can't help but wonder if he's freelancing as a photographer post his Janet days, and now reportedly owing the IRS. Poor thing.)

Yes, Ashanti officially pleased her man...errr, we mean her friend...

So much so that he jumped on stage with her to perform "If I Was Your Girlfriend"...

Then she started doing her "Elaine dance"....

So Jermaine took over on the 1's and 2's, while she was whisked off stage...

*Sighhhhh!* Good times.

Props