In response to the backlash, Nelly went on Willie D Live to justify why he should be absolved of any criticism or guilt at Trump's inauguration, and his reasons were puzzling, to say the least.

Nelly joins the likes of Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy and more who have are set to perform for the President-Elect’s various inaugural balls and ceremonies.

Tomorrow (January 20) marks the second inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump. But, this Inauguration Day’s festivities are attracting attention for a number of contrasting reasons. One of the most hotly debated points of discussion surrounds the day’s featured entertainment–which includes rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg.

The rap community was furious to learn Nelly, Soulja Boy, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross were supporting Trump's inauguration events.

Nelly isn’t the only rapper to participate in Trump’s inauguration festivities. Earlier this weekend, it was widely reported that Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross and Soulja Boy performed at the president-elect’s Crypto Ball pre-inaugural soiree in Washington, D.C., at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Friday (Jan. 17).

Snoop Dog seemingly responded to backlash from netizens for performing at the Crypto Ball on Friday, January 17, 2025.

X is calling Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy and Nelly sellouts for performing at Donald Trump inauguration events.

Snoop Dogg—yes, the Doggfather himself—landed in hot water with “the people,” but you know this. Snoop, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and Nelly have aligned themselves with multiple pro-Trump inauguration events. The backlash? Nuclear. People are dragging them and they are getting the “Chrisette Michele treatment.” So let’s talk about the fallout.

Eight years ago, Trump reportedly struggled to enlist stars to be part of the swearing-in and the various glitzy balls that follow. The concurrent protest marches around the nation had more famous entertainers than the swearing-in,

Snoop Dogg and Nelly face backlash for participating in the Donald Trump inauguration events. See the controversy and their defence.

Nelly also spoke about his experience as a child on a military base in Texas, praising his family members who have served in the U.S. armed forces. “If these people can give [their] life for the office, Nelly can perform,” he said. “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”