Despite ongoing backlash for being a leading performer at Trump’s inauguration festivities on Monday (January 20), Nelly forged ahead to rock the sworn-in President‘s inaugural ball with energetic performances of his signature hits ‘Country Grammar,’ ‘Dilemma,’ ‘Ride Wit Me,’ and more.

See the action inside.

@blackteanews Nelly is performing at the Liberty Ball. #trump #libertyball #nelly #inauguration #donaldtrump ♬ original sound – Black Tea News

Ahead of the performance, Nelly took to the ‘Willie D. Live’ podcast to address detractors head on.

“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor. I respect the office. It don’t matter who is in office. The same way our brothers and sisters go to war to put their life on the line for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office,” he said over the weekend.

Doubling down in D.C. moments before taking the stage, the 3-time GRAMMY winner likened the backlash he’s experienced over the Trump inauguration to the detraction music megastar Beyonce received from Country traditionalists during her ‘Cowboy Carter‘ era.

“…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,” the 50-year-old said.

As the Rap superstar has a number of big ventures on the horizon including a world tour and Peacock series, only time will tell the toll his perceived Trump support will have on his career.

Until then, click PLAY on the clip above to see his performance in full.

[photo source: Suzanne D. / Austin360]

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