In response to the backlash, Nelly went on Willie D Live to justify why he should be absolved of any criticism or guilt at Trump's inauguration, and his reasons were puzzling, to say the least.

Stephen A. Smith doesn't understand the backlash rappers like Snoop Dogg, Nelly and Soulja Boy are receiving for performing at events around Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. During a recent episode of The Stephen A.

Snoop Dogg and Nelly join Trump inauguration events amid fan backlash, marking a shift from Snoop's previous anti-Trump stance.

Nelly opens up about his controversial inauguration performance, revealing shocking personal insights and challenging public expectations.

Antonio Moore discusses Trump’s inauguration, his orders, and Snoop & Nelly’s performances. Nelly insists his participation isn’t political.

Nelly also spoke about his experience as a child on a military base in Texas, praising his family members who have served in the U.S. armed forces. “If these people can give [their] life for the office, Nelly can perform,” he said. “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Nelly's net worth in 2025 is a whopping $70 million—the result of album sales, sales of his alcohol brand, MoShine, and the 2023 sale of half his music catalog for $50 million, among other ventures.

The Crypto Ball was hosted by David Sacks, who will be the new administration’s reigning expert on AI. It took place at the D.C.’s Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Ticket prices for the event went from $2,500 to $5,000 and the ball was billed as one to support the “first crypto president.”

It’s the latest clash in a feud between the two tech billionaires that started on OpenAI’s board and is now testing Musk’s influence with the new president.

During the conversation with Willie D., the “Hot in Herre” singer also spoke directly to his critics, balking at the suggestion that Trump was a white supremacist. “I would ask them to show me where he’s a white supremacist,” Nelly retorted.

Nelly’s fans showed just how far they’d go to ride with the rapper when he was hit with massive legal troubles that could’ve put him in debt.