Key takeaways from the recent events surrounding Snoop Dogg's performance:
- D.L. Hughley openly critiqued Snoop Dogg's decision to perform at the pro-Trump Crypto Ball.
- Snoop Dogg faced significant backlash and loss of social media followers following the event.
- Both artists addressed the mixed reactions within the Black community regarding Snoop’s performance.
Comedian
D.L. Hughley has voiced his disappointment concerning
Snoop Dogg's recent performance at a pro-Trump event dubbed the
Crypto Ball, held on January 17 in Washington, D.C. The event, which was not officially endorsed by Donald Trump, has sparked considerable debate among fans and commentators. In the latest episode of
The D.L. Hughley Show, he elaborated on his views, expressing his discontent with Snoop Dogg's choice to align with Trump and dismissing the notion that critics of the performance are driven by hatred. Instead, he emphasized that the reactions stem from a place of disappointment, particularly given Snoop Dogg’s previous criticisms of the former president. According to
HuffPost, Hughley stated, "It isn’t anger or hate; it is honestly people being disappointed."
Following the backlash, it has been reported that Snoop Dogg experienced a significant drop in his social media following. Analytics from
Newsweek show a staggering loss of over 590,000 followers on Instagram shortly after the event. The rapper attempted to address criticism through social media, asserting in a video, "For all the hate, I’m going to answer it with love." He further commented on the need for unity within the Black community, saying, "We got to learn to pick each other up, instead of pulling each other down." However, Hughley countered these sentiments by pointing out that the blame for societal issues should not fall solely on the Black community. He urged Snoop to reflect on his own evolving views towards Trump, stating, “You need to have a conversation with the man in the mirror,” referencing Snoop's previous strong opposition to the Trump administration.
Snoop Dogg's decision to perform at the Crypto Ball marks a notable shift from his earlier stance, where he had condemned Black artists participating in events supporting Trump. Back in 2017, he openly criticized those willing to perform, even going so far as to mock Trump in a music video featuring a clown. However, recent statements from Snoop Dogg reflect a change in perspective, as he declared in a January 2024 interview that he now holds "nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump," citing clemency granted by Trump to his associate, Michael Harris. These shifts in attitude have undoubtedly stirred controversy within the hip-hop community, highlighting the complexities of celebrity politics and public perception. As
USA Today reported, many fans continue to grapple with Snoop's evolving relationship with Trump and the implications it has for his persona.