Rapper Nelly Drops the Mic on Trump Inauguration Performance Supporting White Supremacy Narrative [WATCH]

Nelly, the Grammy-winning rapper and St. Louis native, recently appeared on Willie D Live to address criticism over his decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

During the candid conversation, Nelly emphasized his respect for the presidency as an institution and defended his actions as an extension of his commitment to his city and his values.

Nelly highlighted that his decision was not based on personal political beliefs but rather on his respect for the office of the President.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

He likened his performance to the sacrifices made by members of the military who serve under various administrations, regardless of who holds office.

“I respect the office,” Nelly said.

“It don’t matter who is in office, the same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country have to go to war and put their life on the line for whoever is in office. So if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office.”

Addressing backlash, Nelly expressed frustration with critics who questioned his decision.

He pointed out that his performance was meant to uplift his community and honor the institution, not to align himself politically.

“I thought you was riding with me because I put on for my city, and I try to bring my city up every step of the way,” Nelly said.

“I didn’t know you was riding with me because you thought I would ride for who you voted for. I didn’t know that. I apologize. I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices.”

Nelly also clarified that his performance was not about financial gain. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor,” he added.

When Willie D asked Nelly how he would respond to accusations of propping up a white supremacist, the rapper challenged critics to provide evidence supporting such claims.

“I would ask them to show me where he’s a white supremacist,” Nelly said.

“He did say, if you don’t vote for me, you’re not black, right? Oh no, that wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. Hold on, I’m trying to think, hold on, hold on, hold on he did. He did create, he did create the crime bill in the 90s, which said that if you get caught with five grams of crack, you do a mandatory five years that had mass incarceration. I think even the vice president Kamala spoke on that part that said that the crime bill played a huge part. He Okay, no, he didn’t do that. Let me see, what did he do?”

He then discussed Trump’s controversial past, including allegations of discriminatory housing practices, while pointing out that individuals can change over time.

“Is he renting to [black people] now? So nobody’s allowed to change, right? … If my past was going to prevent me from winning today, I wouldn’t be here,” Nelly argued.

While acknowledging Trump’s flaws, Nelly emphasized that his performance was not about endorsing Trump’s policies or character but recognizing him as the sitting President.

“He’s the President of the United States. He’s not the candidate for the United States. He’s the President. He won,” Nelly said.

WATCH : Nelly responds to backlash for agreeing to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration and challenges critics to show proof that Donald Trump is a white supremacist.

“I’m not doing this for money.” pic.twitter.com/PeYUjvEjKo

— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) January 19, 2025

During the interview, Nelly maintained that his focus remains on uplifting his city and community.

While he faced criticism for performing at Trump’s inauguration, he stressed that his actions were rooted in principle and respect for the office, not partisan politics.

Willie D added his perspective, humorously noting that neither he nor Nelly had been invited to perform at events hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris, but both agreed that their decisions were about personal values and priorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.