Nelly Compares Backlash for Trump Inauguration Performance to Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Criticism: “It’s About Being Ahead of the Curve”

‘Hot in Herre‘ hitmaker Nelly landed himself in some seriously hot water when he announced he would be a leading performer at Trump’s inauguration festivities.

Much like his friend and fellow St. Louis hitmaker Chingy, the backlash was swift and harsh – a response that not only impacted him but his hitmaking wife Ashanti as well.

While he attempted to justify his decision over the weekend by reassuring his fans the decision to perform was more of an act of patriotism than financial gain, his defensive demeanor may have only made matters worse.

Still on the cleanup trail even on the day of the inaugural performance (January 20), Nelly chatted it up with with on-site media to further explain why he felt it was important to take the gig.

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In an interview with NewsNation host Chris Cuomo, Nelly doubled down on his decision to represent the Hip-Hop community during Trump’s Liberty Ball.

“It’s more about respect for the office. It’s not about a campaign, and it’s not anything that I feel I’m influencing people to sway either way on 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,” the 3-time GRAMMY winner relayed.

After calling for Americans to put aside their differences and “come together,” Nelly compared the backlash he’s receiving for his participation to detraction he’s faced in the past for collaborating with Country superstar Tim McGraw as well as the criticism Beyonce is currently experiencing due to her foray into the genre with the chart-topping album ‘Cowboy Carter.’

“I remember in 2004 when I first did a song with my big brother Tim McGraw, I got heat from my Hip-Hop community and even different radio stations,” he reflected. “Now, you look at people like Shaboozey and even Beyonce with ‘Cowboy Carter,’ it’s about being ahead of the curve. It’s about understanding what’s right and what’s wrong. If what’s wrong is really wrong, then the fact will tell us that. I don’t need anyone inflating the facts,” the 50-year-old said.

He concluded the brief chat by saying he hopes those who have supported him over the years continue to do so, especially as he preps for a new Peacock reality series and a world tour.

[Photo source: Suzanne Cordeiro / Austin360]

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