Snoop Dogg Faces Backlash for Trump Ball Performance

Snoop Dogg has been accused of being a “sellout” for performing at a ball in support of Donald Trump, despite previously criticizing artists who associated with the former president. In 2017, Snoop condemned Black artists who performed at Trump’s first inauguration, using derogatory terms to express his disapproval.

However, over the weekend, Snoop joined Rick Ross and Soulja Boy in performing at the Crypto Ball celebrating Trump’s second inauguration. Despite media restrictions, clips of Snoop’s performance circulated online, sparking backlash.

Criticism poured in from social media users, with one former Barack Obama staffer writing on X, “Who would have guessed that Snoop Dogg would end up being one of the ‘Uncle Tom ass n-ggers’ he himself railed against not long ago? What a sellout.”

In response to the criticism, Elon Musk chimed in on X, posting: “The vibe shift is real” with a laughing emoji, referencing Snoop’s change in stance.

Elon tweeted this to his 213M followers clowning @SnoopDogg! All the words you used to call someone else is exactly how they see you Unc! They’re laughing at who we once considered an icon 🤦🏾‍♀️ You did it to yourself! 😢 https://t.co/wuAzNFz8qF

— un-BECOMING (@Andre71712Wendy) January 19, 2025

Snoop’s change of heart appears linked to Trump’s pardon of Death Row co-founder Michael “Harry O” Harris in 2021. “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me,” Snoop said in a recent interview.

Elon clowning snoop dog for being a jiggaboo wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card pic.twitter.com/oxKZUgyJi7

— Lisan Al Gaib (@Directorgawd) January 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Soulja Boy defended his decision to perform at the event, admitting he needed the money, while Nelly, who performed at the inauguration itself, defended his actions by stating his respect for the office of the presidency.

Nelly and Ashanti Face Backlash for Inauguration Performance

Mad respect for Nelly not drinking the Kool aid and being able to see things clearly and think for himself!!

— SigSauerKraut (@SigSauerKraut77) January 19, 2025

Nelly responds to the backlash of his decision to perform at President Trump’s inaugural ball.

“It’s not political for me… growing up I was told to respect the office.” pic.twitter.com/DGKCeMyk1S

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) January 21, 2025

One of Ashanti’s fan pages on Instagram, @AshantiNews, shut down in protest of the singer and her husband Nelly’s support of President Donald Trump. The move came after Nelly performed at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

“In light of recent news about Nelly and the decisions he has made… I can no longer run @AshantiNews or support The Haynes in the direction they are going,” the caption read. “It’s beyond disappointing. For over 20 years it’s been amazing connecting Ashanti fans around the world and sharing news, videos, and photos. I will miss a lot of you! Take care.”

 

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A post shared by Ashanti News (@ashantinews)

Nelly has defended his decision, stating in an interview, “I thought you were riding for me because I put on for my city, I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices.” He further explained that his performance was about respect for the office, not political alignment.

The really messed up apart about all of this, besides @SnoopDogg letting us down, of all people, is Ashanti is going to catch heat because she is attached to Nelly! Did Dre and Ice T sell us out too? pic.twitter.com/RWpsH2g19S

— Kenneth (@KennyR2144) January 19, 2025

MLK said it best… pic.twitter.com/AoEKJpBj2L

— RN 4 U 🩺💜🌼 (@RnTami) January 20, 2025

That baby is cancelled.

— Bianca / Blaxicana_B (@HerSNKRvault) January 19, 2025

Stephen A. Smith goes off on the people criticizing Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Soulja Boy for performing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration and calls out those in our community who turned against Ice Cube.

(🎥 Stephen A. Smith/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/AutqkxBTjq

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) January 21, 2025