After facing backlash for performing at President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities, artists like Snoop Dogg and Nelly are defending their decision.
Here’s what your favorite artists have to say about their performances at Trump’s inauguration.
Snoop Dogg
Rapper Snoop Dogg took the stage at President Donald Trump’s Crypto Ball on the Friday before the inauguration.
The hip hop star is seen in videos from the night behind the DJ decks performing some of his biggest hits in front of cryptocurrency executives.
Many fans suggested the 53-year-old rapper was a “hypocrite”, having publicly spoken out against Trump in 2017.
But Snoop apparently doesn’t seem bothered by the negative reaction. “It’s that crypto, you see,” Snoop says in a video posted to fellow artist Rick Ross’ Instagram Story. “I got a real Crip in the Crypto Ball, bang bang.”
Nelly
Rapper Nelly has a lot to say about the widespread criticism he received regarding his performance at the Liberty Ball following Donald Trump’s inauguration, emphasizing that the decision was not political.
“I’m not here to replace Trump,” the rapper explained on the Willie D. Live podcast. “I am not here to defend the Republicans. I’m not here to defend Democrats.”
The “Hot In Herre” artist added: “Playing for someone and voting for someone are two different things. Approving people are two different things.
“I don’t do this for money, I do this because it’s an honor,” Nelly explained. “I respect the office. It doesn’t matter who is in power. Just as our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, must go to war and risk their lives for whoever is in power. So if they can risk their lives for whoever is in power, I can definitely succeed.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Many fans were surprised to learn that country artist Billy Ray Cyrus would be performing at the Liberty Ball during Trump’s inauguration, given that his daughter Miley Cyrus has consistently spoken out against Donald Trump, calling him ” Completely racist, sexist, hateful asshole.”
The 63-year-old singer performed “Old Town Road,” Cyrus’ Grammy-winning collaboration with Lil Nas But in an interview with People, Cyrus said the opportunity was an “honor.”
“I would not have missed the honor of participating in this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” Cyrus told PEOPLE in a statement.
Boy Soulja
Rapper Soulja Boy went live on Instagram to applaud fans who criticized his performance at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
The “Crank That” rapper acknowledged his financial motivations for accepting the gig, while claiming he was “somewhat misled” about the political nature of the event.
“They bought me a bag. Obama never put money in my fucking pockets. Kamala never put money in my fucking pockets. Trump put money in my pocket,” he said. “Y’all want me to not answer the phone for the fucking president?” He’s not the president of the fucking United States. Trump wasn’t even there. It wasn’t even a Trump event. It was the Crypto Ball for crypto. And I will go back.
