Washington, D.C., is hosting the first-ever Crypto Ball, an extravagant event celebrating Donald Trump’s return to the White House. With upcoming performances by hip-hop heavyweights such as Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Soulja Boy, the occasion drew significant attention—not only for its high-profile lineup, but also for the fierce backlash it ignited online. In doing so, it cause a Crypto Ball controversy. Fans were quick to call out the artists, especially after resurfacing their past criticisms of the President-elect.
Nelly defends performing at Crypto Ball
Among the performers, Nelly found himself at the center of controversy for his upcoming appearance at Donald Trump’s January 20th, 2025, inauguration ceremony. Speaking with Willie D Live, the St. Louis rapper defended his decision, emphasizing respect for the office of the presidency over political affiliations.
“I thought you were riding for me because I put on for my city. I didn’t know I had to agree with your political choices. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument. He’s the president. He won…” Nelly explained.
Nelly also addressed accusations that his involvement was financially motivated. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor. I respect the office, no matter who is in it,” he said, drawing a parallel to soldiers who serve under any administration.
Despite his reasoning, fans on social media remained critical. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “This is crazy. These people can only come together when hate is involved, and it’s always against their own”. Another user added, “This is not a good look, bruh. You did better not saying anything”.
Snoop Dogg also faces backlash—and mocks critics
The Crypto Ball also brought attention to Snoop Dogg, whose decision to perform contradicted his previous disdain for Trump. During Trump’s earlier administration, Snoop was a vocal critic, even vowing to “roast” anyone who supported him. However, his performance at the event has fans questioning his integrity.
Instead of addressing the criticism directly, Snoop seemingly mocked his detractors in an Instagram post, escalating the outrage. “This is your response? Why not say something to people who are genuinely concerned about your choice? Grow up,” one follower commented. Another claimed, “The fact that you have zero integrity and are making fun of people who are rightfully upset says a lot about your character.”
As for Soulja Boy— he prioritizes the bag over politics
Soulja Boy, another performer at the Crypto Ball, was equally unapologetic. During an Instagram Live session, he candidly revealed his reasoning for taking the stage:
“They paid me a bag. Obama ain’t never put no money in my ——. Kamala ain’t never put no money in my ——–. Trump put money in my pockets.”
Soulja Boy further clarified that the Crypto Ball wasn’t even a Trump-specific event, framing it as a celebration of cryptocurrency rather than politics. “Trump wasn’t even there. It wasn’t even a Trump event. It was the Crypto Ball for crypto […] And I’ll go again,” he stated. Although some viewers criticized his blunt remarks, Soulja Boy appeared unbothered by the backlash, standing firm in his decision to perform.
Crypto Ball controversy
Nonetheless, the Crypto Ball has undeniably sparked conversations about the intersection of art, politics, and personal values. While Nelly champions the honor of performing for any president, Snoop Dogg and Soulja Boy take vastly different approaches—one mocking the backlash and the other unapologetically prioritizing financial gain.
As fans continue to debate the motivations and integrity of the performers, one thing is clear: the Crypto Ball has left a lasting impression on both the music and political worlds. Whether viewed as a celebration or a controversial misstep, the event has reignited discussions about how far artists should—or shouldn’t—go when engaging with certain public figures and events. With that being said, the backlash has only added fuel to the fire ahead of Trump’s inauguration, set to take place indoors at the United States Capitol rotunda due to freezing temperatures. Stay locked here at REMIXD Magazine for any and all updates surrounding this developing story.
