Florida Georgia Line Thankful Nelly Collab Brought New Life to Their Shows

Florida Georgia Line's 'Cruise' remix with rapper Nelly was an unlikely pairing that turned into a collaboration made in pure country music heaven. Not only did the song steam up the charts in both country and pop, but it also brought new fans to the duo's shows, something that really gets them excited.

'Cruise' has earned the spot of No. 1 country digital single of all time, and it has streamed its way into the ear buds of fans of both country and mainstream sounds.

"The fans, you see a lot of different ages and a lot of different colors even,” FGL's Brian Kelley says. “You’ve got tons of different people coming to our shows. That’s what it’s all about man. We want everybody. Come party with us. Seriously.”

The new fans of all ages and backgrounds may not have been at the duo's shows had it not been for the St. Louis rapper who made it 'hot in herre,' there and everywhere with his appearance on the country group's hit.

And surprisingly, the collaboration happened organically. It wasn't a plan to make it a record-breaking single, although everyone wants that; it just so happened that Nelly liked FGL, and the feeling was mutual.

“Nelly’s a country boy,” explains the band’s Tyler Hubbard, who adds that the group would be reuniting for some concerts this summer. “He was a big fan of what we were doing and we’ve been big fans of him forever. We were honored and pumped about it."

To date, Hubbard and Kelley have performed 'Cruise' many places: the 2013 American Music Awards, the 2013 Teen Choice Awards, 'The Voice' finale and the 2013 CMT Music Awards, just to name a few.

'Cruise' has traveled near and far from country music, gaining fans every time. FGL also earned a best buddy in Nelly through the adventure. Hubbard admits, “He’s become one of our really good friends and someone we really look up to."