It’s hard to believe that Black and POC artists are still throwing their support behind Donald Trump, even though he is currently carrying out executive orders and planning to implement policies that will harm these communities. Trump also has a history of racist remarks and discriminatory actions— specifically toward marginalized communities.
Still, his wealth and power have gained him a cult following. Here is a list of the rappers and artists who are caping for Trump.
Even though Snoop Dogg has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past, he recently performed at one of President Trump’s pre-inauguration events earlier this month. He had previously labeled those willing to perform at any Trump event “Uncle Toms,” but seemed to change his tune after Trump pardoned Death Row Records cofounder Michael Harris in 2021.
Like Snoop, Nelly received backlash for performing at Trump’s inauguration ball. However, he wholeheartedly defended his decision on NewsNation. “This is not a campaign trail,” Nelly said.
“This is not anything that I feel like I’m influencing people to sway how they feel, but it’s more about the respect and the honor of being invited for what I like to call the greatest country on the planet.”
R&B star Chris Brown says Trump would make him content if he goes after the IRS during his second presidential term. Earlier this month he posted on Instagram stories: “Anyone else hoping that Trump shuts down the IRS? If he pulls that off… PUT THAT MAN ON… THE hundred dollar bill.”
Like a few other Black artists, Soulja Boy performed at Trump’s Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C. He defended his decision by saying that the president-elect paid him handsomely for his time.
When it was announced that rapper Rod Wave would perform at Trump’s inauguration, the outcry on X/Twitter was swift and fierce.
Not only did Fivio Foreign release a song endorsing Trump called “ONBOA47RD.” The Brooklyn rapper also showed up at one of Trump’s rallies in Pennsylvania last year while Trump was on the campaign trail.
Trump granted presidential clemency to Kodak Black in 2021 on his way out of office, and Kodak Black has shown his loyalty ever since. He rapped on Fivio Foreign’s Trump anthem “ONBOA47RD,” and appeared at one of Trump’s campaign rallies in New York last year. Kodak is Haitian, and stood behind the president despite his incendiary comments about the group.
Last year, Puerto Rican reggaeton star Anuel AA made an appearance at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania to help with the president’s outreach to voters of color. He told Puerto Ricans to “stay united” and to “vote for Trump.”
Reggaeton star Justin Quiles appeared at the same Pennsylvania rally as Anuel AA last year to entice Puerto Rican voters. “Mr. President, I’m beyond honored,” Quiles said. “Mr. President, above all, I like you because, I’ve always said this, you’re not a puppet. I back you because I feel you’re the most honest president we ever had.”
Waka Flocka Flame has been a vocal Trump supporter since as far back as 2020, despite criticism from fans. “Trump still my president I don’t have to stand with a red hat or dance or stage for money in my pockets,” the emcee stated on X in July 2024. “This is my choice like I choose not to eat pork but do that make me hate pork lovers or disrespect their character.”
Like Snoop Dogg, Nelly and Soulja Boy, Rick Ross also performed at Trump’s pre-inauguration ball.
Village People, whose famous song “YMCA” is widely seen as a gay anthem, performed at several of Trump’s inaugural events earlier this month. There was only one original member present for the performances—lead singer and songwriter Victor Willis.
