Snoop Dogg fires back at critics over Donald Trump inauguration gig, says 'Hate can’t match my love'

Rapper and cultural icon Snoop Dogg has broken his silence after facing backlash for his performance at President Trump’s inaugural Crypto Ball earlier this month. In a candid Instagram video on Sunday, the 53-year-old addressed critics while listening to gospel music and, in true Snoop style, smoking a joint in his car.

Snoop wasted no time addressing his detractors. “For all the hate, I’m going to answer with love,” he said. “Get your life right, stop worrying about mine.” The rapper emphasized his pride in his identity, declaring, “I’m still a black man. Still 100% black. Y’all can’t hate enough for me—I love too much.”

While acknowledging the negativity directed his way, Snoop urged the Black community to focus on unity rather than division. “We gotta learn how to pick each other up rather than put each other down,” he remarked. “We’re great at tearing each other down, but I’m a strong black man. You can’t tear me down. I’m one of God’s children.”

The Fallout: Social media backlash

Snoop’s appearance at the event did not go unnoticed by his massive online following. The rapper, who boasts 88.1 million Instagram followers, reportedly lost more than 570,000 fans on the platform. His X (formerly Twitter) following also dropped by over 17,000.

While some critics labeled him a “sellout” in the comments, others rallied in his defense. Supporters chimed in with messages like, “We got you, Snoop,” and “Keep your head up.”

Snoop’s participation in Trump’s inauguration came as a surprise to many, given his previous criticisms of the former president. In 2018, he publicly called Trump supporters “stupid” and didn’t mince words about his feelings. However, his opinion of Trump shifted dramatically after the former president pardoned Michael “Harry O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, in 2021.

“Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me,” Snoop told The Sunday Times. “He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris.”

Snoop wasn’t the only celebrity to perform at the Crypto Ball. Other artists included Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Nelly, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Despite the controversy surrounding the event, Snoop remains unapologetic about his decision, staying true to his message of love and resilience.

Ending his Instagram video on a note of defiance, Snoop reminded critics that he’s unshaken by the backlash. “I’m cool. I’m together. All out ‘til you ball out or ‘til you fall out,” he said, maintaining his characteristic swagger.