In January 2025, renowned rapper Snoop Dogg faced significant backlash following his performance at the Crypto Ball, an event celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. This participation marked a stark departure from Snoop’s previously vocal criticism of Trump, leading to widespread criticism from fans and the public.
Historically, Snoop Dogg has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In his 2017 track “Make America Crip Again,” he explicitly criticized Trump’s campaign slogan, rapping, “The president say he want to Make America Great Again, fk that st.” Additionally, during an appearance on DJ Suss One’s Sirius XM show, when the host suggested some of Snoop’s fans might support Trump, Snoop responded vehemently, stating, “I tell them straight up motherfs. You motherfg racist. Fk you, and fk him.” These statements underscored his strong opposition to Trump’s policies and leadership style.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Snoop Dogg accepted an invitation to perform at the Crypto Ball, a pre-inauguration event celebrating Trump’s second term. This decision was met with immediate backlash from fans and critics alike. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, accusing the rapper of hypocrisy and labeling him a “sellout.” One disheartened fan commented, “Disappointing. Truly broke my heart to see you sell out,” while another remarked, “You screwed up big time and you know it. Lost my respect.” A third individual labeled him “a walking contradiction,” reflecting the sentiment of many who felt betrayed by his apparent change in stance.
In response to the mounting criticism, Snoop Dogg addressed the issue directly. Taking to Instagram, he urged detractors to focus on their own lives rather than his choices. He stated, “For all the hate, I’m going to answer with love. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100% Black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.” This message emphasized his commitment to positivity and self-assurance in the face of adversity.
Further elaborating on his perspective during an appearance on the R&B Money podcast, Snoop discussed the inevitability of encountering negativity when achieving success. He shared, “You ‘gon deal with hate when you get to the top, no matter who you are… Me, personally, I answer it with success and love. That’s my answer to any hate and negativity that comes my way, ’cause it’s the strongest force that can beat it.” This philosophy highlights his belief in overcoming negativity through personal achievements and maintaining a loving attitude.
The rapper’s decision to perform at the event appears to be influenced by a significant event in 2021 when Donald Trump pardoned Michael “Harry-O” Harris, the co-founder of Death Row Records, the label that played a pivotal role in launching Snoop’s career. Following the pardon, Snoop expressed a change in sentiment towards Trump, stating he had “nothing but love and respect” for the former president. This act of clemency seemingly led to a reassessment of his previous criticisms.
Addressing the broader issue of intra-community criticism, Snoop emphasized the importance of unity within the Black community. He remarked, “We gotta learn to big each other up instead of putting each other down. That’s what we’re great at as Black people, we great at tearing each other down… But I’m a strong Black man, I’m cut from a different cloth. You can’t tear me down, I’m one of God’s children.” This statement underscores his call for solidarity and mutual support among Black individuals, advocating for uplifting one another rather than engaging in destructive criticism.
Despite his explanations, the controversy surrounding Snoop Dogg’s performance at the Crypto Ball has sparked a broader conversation about the evolving relationship between celebrities and political figures. Notably, other artists such as Rick Ross and Soulja Boy also performed at the event, indicating a shift in the entertainment industry’s engagement with political events. This trend reflects a changing dynamic where entertainers are increasingly participating in political functions, sometimes leading to public scrutiny and debates about the implications of such involvement.
In conclusion, Snoop Dogg’s participation in the Crypto Ball and the subsequent backlash highlight the complexities artists face when their actions appear to contradict their previously stated beliefs. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures encounter in balancing personal decisions with public expectations, especially in the politically charged landscape of today’s society.
