Social media has been buzzing with criticism, as fans express disappointment and accuse the artists of hypocrisy and basically “selling out”. Snoop Dogg, in particular, has faced backlash for performing at the Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., on Friday, January 17th. Although Trump reportedly did not attend the event, critics of the reelected president were outraged by Snoop’s involvement. Many pointed to a 2017 clip where the rapper declared he would “roast” any artist who performed for Trump’s inauguration, accusing him of going back on his word. Snoop wasn’t the only rapper under fire. Rick Ross and Soulja Boy also performed at the Crypto Ball, sparking calls from fans to boycott their music. The backlash has reignited debates about whether artists should face consequences for associating with politically divisive figures.
Meanwhile, Nelly has taken a different approach to the criticism. News of his performance at Trump’s “Liberty Ball” on Inauguration Day upset fans, but the rapper defended his decision in a recent interview. He explained that his choice was not about politics but about respect for the office of the presidency. “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office,” Nelly said. “If President Biden had asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed.”
Their involvement has sparked a heated debate about personal values versus professional opportunities in the entertainment industry. The controversy raises a broader question: Should these rappers be “cancelled” for their association with Trump, or are they simply “getting to the bag”?