Following backlash over his performance at the Crypto Ball, which took place the weekend before Donald Trump’s inauguration as President, Snoop Dogg has responded to critics.
The 53-year-old rapper, who has previously criticized Black people for supporting the controversial politician during his first term, sparked confusion among fans.
In the past, Snoop referred to Black artists performing at Trump’s inauguration events as “jiggaboos.” Now, his participation in the Crypto Ball has left many questioning his stance.
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Addressing the criticism in an Instagram Live session, Snoop, seen smoking in his car while listening to gospel music, struck a defiant yet reflective tone.
“It’s Sunday, man, I got gospel in my heart right now,” he said. “For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right—stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black.”
Amid the backlash, several public figures came to Snoop’s defense. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, along with Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and Nelly, weighed in on the situation. Both Ross and Soulja Boy performed at the Crypto Ball, while Nelly took the stage at the Liberty Ball. Smith strongly condemned the criticism, saying, “Now that the brothers have made something of themselves and have opportunities they choose to exploit—choosing to be apolitical—you want to tear them down? That’s not right.”
Charlamagne Tha God also weighed in on The Breakfast Club, calling out the hypocrisy of those holding rappers to higher standards than their political leaders.
“The hypocrisy people show when it comes to who they like and don’t like is mind-blowing,” Charlamagne said. “How can you be angrier at rappers performing at these events than at the elected officials who told us Trump was a fascist, a threat to democracy, and a danger to our country and Constitution?”
He highlighted moments of civility among political leaders, citing Joe Biden welcoming Trump into the White House and Barack Obama sharing laughs with him at Jimmy Carter’s memorial service. “Honestly, those performances are inconsequential. What will people remember two years from now during midterms or four years from now in the next presidential election?” Charlamagne questioned. “They’ll remember when you likened this man to Hitler and called him a threat to democracy, but then we saw you grinning with him at a funeral.”
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