Nelly was paid $1.5 million to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, Trick Daddy claims
Nelly has received criticism for performing at the inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20th for Donald Trump’s inauguration. However, Miami rapper Trick Daddy, best known for his hit 2004 single ‘Let’s Go’ with Lil Jon and Twista, has claimed that a massive payday played a part in his decision to perform.
Speaking on 103.5 The Beat Miami, Trick alleged that Nelly received a whopping $1.5 million to hit the stage earlier this month.
“A lot of people is upset about artists performing at the inauguration – and you know me. I have an unpopular opinion about that,” he said. “First of all, Nelly. Congratulations on that $1.5 million you got for that show. I wish they give me $1.5 million.”
He continued, “It’s not nothing personal when it’s your business. If my worst enemy booked me to do a concert, I’m going to do that concert. If he booked me in a territory where I was beefing or I had opps, I’m going to do that concert.”
Nelly has defended his decision to perform at Trump’s event following backlash from hip-hop fans. “I respect the office. This isn’t politics. Politics for me is over; [Trump] won, he’s the Commander-in-Chief,” he told Willie D Live. “I was born in a military base in Austin. My father served, my grandfather served, my uncle served, my auntie served. I’ve been entertaining the troops all over this world.
“If these people can give their live for the office, Nelly can perform for it. I love this country as well. It is an honour for me to perform for the President of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”
Nelly isn’t the only major rapper to participate in Trump’s inauguration. Snoop Dogg performed at the Crypto Ball, as did Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, who have also received negative messages about their actions.
Snoop said in response, “For all the hate, I’m going to answer with love, I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a black man. Still 100 per cent black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”