Snoop Dogg Faces Backlash for Performing at Trump-Inauguration Event
Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper and cultural figure, has sparked controversy after performing at the Crypto Ball celebrating Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The event, which featured fellow artists Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, drew criticism as videos surfaced of Snoop’s performance and interactions with far-right attendees, reigniting debates about his evolving relationship with the former president.
A Change of Stance
Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the event marks a significant shift from his previous criticisms of Trump. Back in 2017, Snoop condemned Black artists who performed at Trump’s first inauguration, labeling them “jigaboos” and “Uncle Toms.” His harsh rhetoric continued in the years following, as he publicly decried Trump’s policies and behavior.
However, Snoop’s tone softened after Trump’s 2021 pardon of Michael “Harry O” Harris, the co-founder of Death Row Records. In a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times, Snoop said, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris. So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”
This newfound admiration has left many fans puzzled, particularly given the sharp contrast with his earlier criticisms.
Online Backlash
The Crypto Ball performance sparked outrage online, with many accusing Snoop of hypocrisy and “selling out.” A former Barack Obama staffer took to X (formerly Twitter), posting: “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 fucking sellout.”
Others recalled Snoop’s disdain for Kanye West’s infamous MAGA hat moment in 2018, with one user writing, “Anyone remember 2018 when Snoop was acting like Kanye wearing a MAGA hat was the most evil thing in the world?”
Some fans even revisited old tensions between Snoop and the late 2Pac, suggesting the rapper’s actions confirm long-standing questions about his loyalty.
Years of Criticism
Snoop’s earlier disdain for Trump was clear and unfiltered. In a 2020 YouTube video, he slammed Trump for disrespecting women, LGBTQ+ communities, racial minorities, and veterans. “He’s disrespecting every color in the world and everything that ain’t what he is, which is a racist,” Snoop declared at the time.
These statements contrast sharply with his current actions, leaving fans and critics questioning the motivations behind his apparent reversal.
A Complex Legacy
Snoop Dogg’s performance at the Crypto Ball and his evolving stance on Donald Trump highlight the complexities of his public image. While some see his actions as pragmatic or rooted in personal loyalty due to the Harris pardon, others view them as a betrayal of the principles he once championed.
As clips from the event continue to circulate, the debate surrounding Snoop Dogg’s legacy and his place in the cultural zeitgeist remains as polarizing as ever. Fans and detractors alike are left grappling with the implications of his choices—and what they mean for his iconic status in hip-hop and beyond.
