Stephen A. Smith is speaking up for rappers like Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Soulja Boy, who performed at events tied to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. He doesn’t get why they’re being criticized for simply doing their jobs.
On a recent episode of his YouTube show, Smith raised some tough questions about the backlash, according to Billboard. He asked, “What if someone voted for Trump because they’re struggling and think he can help them make more money?”
Smith specifically defended Soulja Boy, saying he has every right to make a living. “Soulja Boy ain’t got the right to make some money?” Smith pointed out, adding that Soulja Boy made more from his performance than most people make in a year.
Smith also came to Snoop Dogg’s defense, clarifying that Snoop performed at the Crypto Ball, not directly for Trump. Snoop has a long-time connection with David Sacks, who’s Trump’s Crypto and A.I. guy and has supported Snoop’s football league and other projects.
As for Nelly, Smith explained that Nelly isn’t particularly into politics and just performs where the money is right. Nelly himself recently defended his choice to perform, saying it was about showing respect for the office, not about making money.
