Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy performed at the inaugural Crypto Ball, a black-tie event held on Friday, January 17, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The star-studded event, organized to welcome Donald Trump’s incoming administration, was hosted by Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, recently appointed Trump’s “White House A.I. and Crypto Czar.”
The Crypto Ball was an exclusive affair, with tickets between $2,500 and $5,000. Media access was restricted, but videos from the event showed Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy delivering a performance to a packed audience. During the event, Snoop joked, “They let a real Crip up in the Crypto Ball,” a comment that sparked a wave of reactions on social media.
This performance surprised many fans, especially given the rappers’ previous stances on Donald Trump. Snoop Dogg’s attendance raised eyebrows, as he had vocally criticized Black artists who performed at Trump’s inauguration in 2017, calling them “jigaboos” and “Uncle Toms.” Snoop had also been a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race.
However, Snoop’s tone toward Trump softened after the former president commuted the prison sentence of Michael “Harry-O” Harris, the co-founder of Death Row Records, in January 2021. Harris had been serving time for attempted murder and drug trafficking charges. Snoop worked behind the scenes with activist Alice Johnson and producer Weldon Angelos in a last-minute effort to secure Harris’ clemency. Following the pardon, Snoop expressed appreciation for Trump’s actions, marking a shift in their previously contentious relationship.
Rick Ross’ involvement also drew criticism, given his past statements about Trump. In a 2021 interview, Ross explained the lyrics of his song that referenced Trump, saying, “We gotta destroy it before we elevate.” He argued that Trump’s presidency highlighted the need to appreciate Barack Obama’s legacy as the first Black president. Ross had also accused Trump of having his album “Black Dollar” pulled from Walmart shelves due to its political content.
Soulja Boy’s participation further fueled the backlash. The rapper had previously criticized Kanye West for supporting Trump during a 2019 interview, calling out West’s political views as “not right” and urging him to “put on for the Black community.” Soulja Boy’s sharp criticism of Trump in the past made his presence at the Crypto Ball especially contentious.
The event’s backlash extended beyond social media, with many accusing the rappers of prioritizing financial gain over their principles. Critics labeled their participation as a betrayal of their community, considering their earlier outspoken stances against Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
This isn’t the first time performers at Trump-affiliated events have faced public outrage. Nelly is also set to perform at the Inaugural Liberty Ball, one of three official inauguration parties for Trump’s return to office as the 47th president on Monday, January 20.
The Crypto Ball controversy underscores the ongoing tension between political affiliations and public perception in the entertainment industry. Fans and critics are waiting to see how Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy will address the criticism and navigate their evolving relationship with fans and the political drama.
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