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 of your favorite artists have to say about their Trump inauguration performances.
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 standing behind DJ decks performing some of his greatest hits to cryptocurrency executives
Many fans suggested the 53-year-old rapper is a “hypocrite,” having publicly spoken out against Trump in 2017.
But Snoop is seemingly unbothered by the backlash. “It’s that crypto, see,” Snoop says in a video posted to fellow performer Rick Ross’ Instagram story. “Got a real Crip up in the Crypto Ball, bang bang.”
Nelly
Rapper Nelly had a lot to say about the rampant criticism he’s receiving about his performance at the Liberty Ball following the inauguration of Donald Trump, noting the decision wasn’t political.
“I’m not here to take up for Trump,” the rapper explained on the Willie D. Live podcast. “I’m not here to take up for Republicans. I’m not here to take up for Democrats.”
The “Hot In Herre” artist added: “Performing for somebody and voting for somebody is two different things. Endorsing people is two different things.”
“I’m not doing this for money, I’m doing this because it’s an honor,” Nelly explained. “I respect the office. It doesn’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 and have to put their life on the line for whoever in office. So if they can put their life on the line for whoever in office, I can damn sure perform.”
Billy Ray Cyrus
Many fans were surprised to learn country artist Billy Ray Cyrus would perform at the Liberty Ball during Trump’s inauguration, considering his daughter Miley Cyrus has consistently spoken out against Donald Trump, calling him a “completely racist, sexist, hateful a**hole.”
The 63-year-old singer performed “Old Town Road,” Cyrus’ Grammy-winning collab with Lil Nas X, which was met with technical difficulties and a hoarse voice. But in an interview with People, Cyrus says the opportunity was an “honor.”
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing 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.
Soulja Boy
Rapper Soulja Boy took to Instagram live to clap back at fans who slammed his performance at the inauguration celebration event for President-elect Donald Trump.
The “Crank That” rapper acknowledged his financial motivations for accepting the gig, while also claiming he was “somewhat misled” about the political nature of the event.
“They paid me a bag. Obama ain’t never put no money in my f–king pockets. Kamala ain’t never put no money in my f–king pockets. Trump put money in my pockets,” he stated. “Y’all want me to not answer the phone for the f–king president? This n—a the president of the motherf–king United States. Trump wasn’t even there. It wasn’t even a Trump event. It was the Crypto Ball for crypto. And I’ll go again.”
