Nelly performs before the 2024 NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
Photo by John Medina/Getty Images.
Nelly Defends Performing at Donald Trump’s Inauguration Ball: “It’s an honor”
The “Hot in Herre” rapper faced backlash after it was revealed that he would be a part of the festivities for Trump’s inauguration.
After facing backlash following the announcement of his involvement in Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities, Nelly has spoken out in defense of his decision.
The "Hot in Herre" rapper, who performed at Trump’s Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday night, discussed the matter during an interview with Geto Boys rapper Willie D.After addressing fans who may have felt that he “let you down” for choosing to perform for Trump, Nelly began to explain why he made the choice he did.
“He’s the president — he won. This isn’t a campaign, this isn’t the RNC. I’m not out on the political campaign [trail]. I didn’t get none of that $1.5 [million dollars] to try to help somebody get voted,” he said.
“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor,” he added. “I respect the office. It don’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office.”
From there, Willie D asked Nelly, “What do you say to the people that say, ‘We’re not giving you this backlash because of your political affiliation or your political choice. We’re giving you this backlash because you’re propping up a white supremacist?’”
Although the Missouri rapper acknowledged Trump’s alleged racial discrimination regarding renting to Black applicants through his real estate company in the 1970s, he then continued to defend the Republican leader.
“OK, he did not rent to Black people in the ‘70s and ‘80s, is that what they said? Is he renting to them now? So nobody’s allowed to change?” Nelly said, adding, “If my past had prevented me from winning today, I wouldn’t be here.”
“I’m not saying that he ain’t got some f**ked up ways. That’s why I’m not telling you who to vote for,” he continued. “But what I’m saying is, he’s the president of the United States; he’s not a candidate.”
Nelly wasn’t the only rapper who received backlash for participating in Trump’s inauguration events.
Snoop Doggalso faced criticism for performing at Trump’s pre-inauguration Crypto Ball, which also included appearances from fellow rappers Rick Ross and Soulja Boy.
Snoop’s involvement in the Crypto Ball was particularly notable, considering how critical he’s been against Trump and his supporters, previously saying in 2018, “If you like that ni**a [Trump] you motherf**kin’ racist.”
