Soulja Boy and Trump’s Crypto Ball: Money Talks Louder than Politics

Rapper Soulja Boy recently sparked a debate within the hip-hop community after performing at the Crypto Ball in Washington D. C. This event, hosted by David Sacks, was billed as the first-ever crypto celebration, but it also served as a party for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Soulja Boy wasn’t the only big name in attendance—Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross also took the stage. During a live session on Instagram, Soulja Boy opened up about his reasons for performing. He admitted that financial incentives played a significant role. "I got paid a lot, " he said. "You know, Obama and Kamala didn’t put money in my pockets, but Trump did. " This statement highlights a common dilemma many artists face: balancing artistic integrity with financial rewards. Snoop Dogg, known for his critical stance on Trump and MAGA supporters, also performed. He sang hits like "Drop It Like It's Hot" and DJ’d for the crowd, marking a notable shift from his previous public stance. The event charged between $2, 500 and $5, 000 per ticket, suggesting a high-profile and expensive affair.Critics have been quick to point out the double standards in the music industry. Some compare Soulja Boy’s situation to that of Chrisette Michele, whose career suffered after her 2017 inauguration performance. However, Soulja Boy defended his actions, arguing that the event was primarily about crypto and not politics. "Trump wasn’t even there, " he said. "It was the Crypto Ball for crypto. " The rapper also admitted feeling misled about the event’s political nature. "Honestly, they tricked me halfway through, " he confessed. "I was like, 'Man, forget this Trump stuff. '" This revelation adds another layer to the debate, questioning the transparency of such events. Historically, prominent rappers have maintained close ties with the Democratic Party. Barack Obama hosted several hip-hop artists during his presidency, and Vice President Kamala Harris featured artists like Megan Thee Stallion in her 2024 campaign rallies. This context shows that political associations are not new in the music industry. What’s next? The official inauguration events are scheduled for January 20, featuring more performers like Carrie Underwood and The Village People. As the controversy continues, it raises questions about the intersection of politics and entertainment, and the complex decisions artists must make.