At the recent Grammy Awards after-party, Janelle Monáe didn’t hold back her thoughts on rapper Nelly following his controversial performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Setting the stage alight at Andy's, the West Hollywood hot spot co-owned by fellow artist Anderson .Paak, Monáe unleashed her feelings through freestyle rap, demonstrating her disapproval of Nelly’s political stance.
Monáe opened her impromptu performance referencing Nelly's past popularity. "I used to like Nelly, but then he performed for Donald Trump. F--- you, n----. I don't give a f---," Monáe declared, capturing the audience's attention. Accompanied by the beat of Nelly's iconic hit, "Hot in Herre," she continued to express her discontent, declaring, "You sold out. I used to think he was cool ... F--- you, n----. Get a new attitude." Her words were punctuated by roars of approval from the crowd, signaling the collective indignation felt by many of her peers within the music industry.
The exchange unfolded soon after Nelly had performed at Trump’s inauguration, which had sparked significant backlash across the cultural spectrum. Nelly had defended his choice to perform at the inauguration, emphasizing his respect for the office of the presidency rather than any political affinity. "I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, it's over. He won," Nelly clarified during his appearances on media outlets like NewsNation.
Despite claiming neutrality, Nelly’s decision to accept the invitation to perform was met with scorn, particularly from fellow artists like Monáe, who are known for their advocacy for social justice. Monáe has previously taken part in marches and rallies opposing police brutality and advocating for marginalized communities, evident during previous events like the Women's March following Trump’s first inauguration.
Throughout her freestyle, Monáe emphasized her values, rapping, "I care about women, I care about Hispanics... I care about gay people," reinforcing the damaging impact of Trump’s policies on these communities. This expressed her disbelief and disappointment as she reflected on Nelly’s choices. The impromptu diss track underlined her continuous commitment to social activism, prompting cheers from the audience as her lyrics rang true with many attendees who echoed similar sentiments.
Monáe’s unexpected address at the after-party wasn't the only comment registered at the Grammys. Other prominent artists also took the opportunity to critique Trump’s legacy through their acceptance speeches. For example, Shakira affirmed her commitment to marginalized communities when she said, "I want to dedicate this award to all of my immigrant brothers and sisters... You are loved, you’re worth it." This perspective was echoed by Lady Gaga who, during her speech for Best Pop Duo, stated, "Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
The were notable tributes throughout the night, including Monáe’s stunning performance during the Quincy Jones tribute, where she paid homage to the late musical icon. Her attire, echoing Michael Jackson’s iconic style, and her energetic stage presence made her one of the night’s standout performers.
During the performance, Monáe playfully tossed her coat to Taylor Swift, who eagerly caught it, showcasing the camaraderie and light-hearted moments shared among artists behind the scenes, even amid poignant political discourse. This balancing act of celebration and critique encapsulated the mood of artists during the awards show, emphasizing how inseparable politics has become from artistry.
Monáe's freestyle moment is likely to resonate long after the final notes of the Grammys faded, stirring discussions not just about Nelly's place within hip-hop but also the responsibilities artists carry as public figures. The Grammy stage proved not just to be one of celebration but also confrontation, where artists wield their voices to tackle pressing issues facing their communities.
While Nelly may have stood firm on his right to perform at Trump’s inauguration, Monáe’s passionate indictment calls attention to the expectations of engagement from artists, particularly those within the hip-hop community. The music industry appears to be at a crossroads, balancing personal choices with the wider ramifications those choices have on community relationships and social integrity.
The discourse surrounding Monáe's comments and Nelly’s choices encapsulates larger conversations about the role of artists as advocates for societal change and as influencers of public opinion. Nelly's insistence he wasn’t engaging with the political sphere distinctly contrasts with Monáe’s bold stance, one firmly rooted in activism.
The exchange reflects the complex dynamics at play within the celebrity influenced arena of political engagement. Artists like Janelle Monáe are at the forefront of demanding accountability, making it clear through her expression of dissatisfaction with Nelly's actions. Her powerful declarations resonate, urging fellow artists to remain vigilant about the messages their performances send to audiences around the globe.