Rappers Snoop Dogg and Nelly have sparked controversy for their performances at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration events. Snoop appeared at the first-ever “Crypto Ball” on Friday night, while Nelly is slated to perform at the official Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday.
The Crypto Ball, hosted by incoming White House AI and “Crypto Czar” David Sacks, took place Friday at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Tickets ranged from $2,500 to $5,000. Snoop Dogg performed hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and DJed tracks including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Notable attendees included rapper Rick Ross and UFC star Colby Covington.
Nelly, known for his Grammy-winning hit “Hot In Herre,” will headline the Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday. This event is one of three official celebrations organized by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
**Background on Snoop Dogg’s Evolving Stance**
Snoop Dogg’s participation marks a dramatic shift from his earlier criticisms of Trump. In 2017, Snoop released a music video featuring a Trump-inspired clown and condemned Black artists who performed for Trump.
However, his perspective shifted after Trump commuted the prison sentence of Death Row Records founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris. Harris, who was serving time for attempted murder and drug trafficking, received clemency on Trump’s last day in office. Snoop, along with activist Alice Johnson and producer Weldon Angelos, advocated for Harris’s release.
In a January 2024 interview with *The Sunday Times*, Snoop acknowledged Trump’s impact: “He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris. So, I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”
The performances have sparked backlash online. Critics on social media expressed disappointment and disbelief over the artists’ decisions.
– “This is culturally embarrassing and disrespectful asf,” one Instagram user wrote.
– “Nipsey and Pac would never!!!” another commented.
– Podcast host Ryan Snead tweeted, “Yo @SnoopDogg What made you go from this to simping for a felon, business fraud, rapist, and accused pedophile?”
– Another user on X added, “Snoop Dogg being a Trump supporter was NOT on my bingo card… What a disappointment.”
Some Trump supporters welcomed the performances, with one user on X writing, “People are seeing the light finally.” Another said, “Welcome to the winning team, Snoop.”
President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated for a second term on Monday, January 20. Additional performers include Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful,” opera singer Christopher Macchio performing the national anthem, and The Village People, known for their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.,” which has become a staple at Trump rallies.
