Snoop Dogg's recent performance at the Trump-affiliated Crypto Ball has sparked significant controversy, leading to him losing over half a million followers on social media. The backlash came swiftly, as many fans perceived his performance as an indirect endorsement of former President Trump, whose political affiliations have long been contentious.
On January 17, 2025, just days before Trump’s second inauguration, Snoop Dogg took the stage at the Crypto Ball, eliciting outraged responses from fans. Given Snoop's previous, outspoken criticisms of Black artists who supported Trump—a term he had used to describe them included "Uncle Toms"—many were left questioning his integrity and loyalty to his community.
D.L. Hughley, the comedian and social commentator, did not mince words when discussing Snoop’s choice to perform at the event. On January 29, during his podcast, "The D.L. Hughley Show," he expressed his discontent with Snoop’s portrayal of the backlash as being divisive within the Black community. Hughley noted, "You need to talk to the 2017 version of you. You need to have a conversation with the man in the mirror," highlighting the contradiction between Snoop’s past beliefs and his recent actions.
During his Instagram Live session addressing the criticism, Snoop Dogg responded with his characteristic calm demeanor, stating, "For all the hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black." Snoop's message signaled his intent to remain unbothered by negative feedback and affirm his sense of identity.
The ire expressed toward Snoop was rooted not merely in his choice to perform but also shaped by his previously vocal opinions against those who leveraged their platforms for Trump. Hughley pointed out, “Most people are disappointed because they saw you as specific way,” emphasizing the hurt felt among fans who anticipated different choices from the artist.
The comedian went on to reflect on the greater dynamics at play within the community, contrasting Snoop's message about unity. “We stuck together. We decided this was a man who was bad for our community,” he affirmed, referring to the strong support for former Vice President Kamala Harris during the election. This division was exacerbated by the seeming betrayal felt by many loyal supporters of Snoop Dogg.
Hughley asserted Snoop needs to engage with his previous self, questioning why the singer felt it appropriate to deflect responsibility onto the Black community. Citing old clips where Snoop criticized potential performers for Trump’s first inauguration, Hughley encapsulated the dissonance Snoop faces: “What is so different about the 2017 Snoop and the 2025 Snoop? It ain't us. We ain't in it. This is an inner turmoil.”
The fallout for Snoop Dogg's career is yet to be fully determined. According to reports, he lost over 500,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 20,000 on X following the backlash. While the controversy is significant, Snoop's trademark message of resilience and self-love may resonate with many, potentially mitigating the impact of this scandal.
Reflecting on his remarks during past interviews, where he was adamant about his disdain for Trump supporters, it is stark to see how far the rap icon has come since he once stated, "F–k you, and f–k him" during his 2018 dialogue on the matter. The significant shift signals more than personal choice; it echoes the tension within minority communities grappling with political affiliation and representation.
While Snoop has hinted at reasons for this change—particularly Trump’s pardon of Death Row Records co-founder Harry-O—his recent performance may yet complicate his legacy. The tension between artistic choice and social responsibility has become increasingly pronounced, and Snoop Dogg is at the center of this debate.
This moment serves as both a reflection of Snoop Dogg's transformative career and the broader impact of celebrity affiliations with politics. His apparent change of heart raises questions about the reconciliation between his past statements and present choices. Followers, fans, and critics alike are left pondering the authenticity of their beloved artist’s path forward.