West Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg has sent shockwaves through his fan base with the announcement of his upcoming performance at the Crypto Ball, an event hosted by Donald Trump affiliate David Sacks. Joining him on stage will be rapper Nelly. The news has left fans puzzled, frustrated, and questioning the artists’ decision to associate with an event linked to the former president.
The 2017 Parody Video Resurfaces
For many, Snoop Dogg’s involvement feels particularly jarring given his history of publicly mocking Trump. In 2017, the rapper released the controversial music video Lavender, where he parodied Trump by depicting a clown-faced impersonator of the former president. In one scene, Snoop points a toy gun at the Trump look-alike, firing it to release a cartoonish “bang” flag.
At the time, the video drew sharp criticism from Trump, who expressed his outrage on social media. “Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!” Trump wrote in a post, as reported by The Mirror US.
From Friends to Foes to Reconciliation
The history between Trump and Snoop Dogg hasn’t always been contentious. In the early 2000s, the two shared a friendly rapport. Trump praised Snoop’s music during an episode of The Apprentice in 2007, and Snoop participated in Trump’s Comedy Central roast in 2011, exchanging playful banter.
However, their relationship soured during Trump’s presidency. Snoop openly supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and criticized Black artists who performed at Trump’s inauguration, referring to them with derogatory terms like “jigaboos” and “Uncle Toms.”
Despite their differences, Snoop Dogg extended an olive branch in 2024 during an interview with The Sunday Times. “I have nothing but love for Donald Trump. He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris,” the rapper stated.
Trump’s Role in Snoop’s Connection to Death Row Records
Trump’s pardon of Michael “Harry-O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, holds significant personal value for Snoop. Harris was instrumental in shaping the rapper’s early career, and Snoop now owns the iconic label.
This evolving relationship appears to have culminated in Snoop’s agreement to perform at the pre-inaugural Crypto Ball, signalling reconciliation between the two figures. While some fans remain bewildered, others view it as a pragmatic move, highlighting the complex interplay of personal and professional dynamics in the entertainment industry.