Rapper Nelly is speaking to Fox News Digital after his performance at President Donald Trump's Liberty Ball, which garnered him backlash.

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.

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.”

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.

Fans dig into the personal lives of their fans. Rightfully so, they expect them to represent certain values, and Trump is the opposite of those values. It may not be fair, but that is what is it. Judging Ashanti for Nelly’s choices is just wrong.

Stephen A. Smith expressed confusion over the backlash against Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Soulja Boy for performing at Trump's inauguration.

A chaotic inaugural performance by Billy Ray Cyrus at the Liberty Ball has sparked widespread concern and confusion, with the country star defending his appearance amid technical difficulties that left him speaking rather than singing his iconic hits.

Ana Navarro isn’t holding back on Snoop Dogg for performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration. During a recent episode of The View, Navarro and co-host Sunny Hostin were critical of rappers like Nelly and Snoop for offering their services to the new commander-in-chief’s inaugural ball.