By Michael Smith
Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, Snoop Dogg—rapper, cannabis entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed purveyor of cultural cool—stood as a vocal critic of Black artists who cozied up to Donald Trump. He even went so far as to call those performing at Trump’s 2017 inauguration "Uncle Toms," a stinging rebuke of what he saw as sellouts putting dollars over dignity.
Fast forward to 2025, and who graced Trump’s inaugural stage? Snoop Dogg himself, alongside Nelly and Rick Ross. The very same man who once called out others now finds himself among the confetti and crypto bro crowd, performing at Trump’s inaugural Crypto Ball. Oh, how the mighty fall—right into a pile of campaign checks.
Malcolm X Warned Us About This
Before you start throwing up your hands in confusion, let’s take a step back and listen to Malcolm X, whose wisdom from decades ago slices through today’s noise with surgical precision. In 1963, Malcolm said:
“Show me in the white community where a comedian is a white leader. Show me in the white community where a singer is a white leader or a dancer or a trumpet player is a white leader. These aren’t leaders. These are puppets and clowns that have been set up over the Black community by the white community.”
You can watch Malcolm X speak on this in his own words here:
And here we are, 60 years later, watching those very "puppets and clowns" do the Electric Slide at Trump’s inaugural events. It’s almost poetic—if poetry made you want to flip a table.
Malcolm X’s warnings weren’t just critiques of entertainers—they were sirens against the systemic manipulation of Black voices. His words still resonate, particularly when we see cultural icons used as props to sanitize problematic political figures. Because let’s be real: when Trump’s inaugural team booked Snoop, they weren’t thinking about unity. They were thinking, “If Snoop’s cool with it, maybe we can soften our image with Black voters.”
The "Bag" Over Principles
The modern rapper loves to talk about "getting the bag," and apparently, Trump’s team is handing them out like Oprah with cars. But at what cost? When did the loudest voices of rebellion morph into the quiet hum of compliance? Snoop, who once mocked Trump mercilessly in music videos, now plays hype man to a second Trump term. It’s a plot twist nobody asked for—and one we should interrogate.
Meanwhile, Nelly’s participation is equally baffling. The man who once made his millions telling us it’s getting "Hot in Herre" is now endorsing policies and platforms that make life a little colder for the marginalized communities he once represented. It’s giving "dollar signs over dignity."
When Entertainers Lead, Communities Bleed
This isn’t just about Snoop or Nelly. It’s about a broader phenomenon Malcolm X foresaw: the elevation of entertainers as thought leaders in the Black community. In an ideal world, we’d have an army of political and civic leaders shaping our future. Instead, we’re left with a system where cultural clout substitutes for credibility, and the people tasked with representing us are more interested in promoting their tequila brands than policies that help their communities.
And don’t get me started on the hypocrisy. Where’s the energy Snoop had in 2017? If we’re holding artists accountable, let’s do it across the board. You can’t criticize Black performers for standing on Trump’s stage one year and then moonwalk onto it yourself the next.
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
First, let’s stop pretending entertainers are our saviors. Malcolm X didn’t mince words: the leaders we need aren’t in recording studios or VIP sections—they’re in the trenches, organizing for change. Civic engagement doesn’t start with a hit single; it starts with understanding the systems at play and holding people accountable, whether they’re in the White House or a rap battle.
Second, let’s use this moment to reflect (pun intended) on the power dynamics at play. Why does Trump need Snoop? Why does he think a few rappers will make his policies more palatable? Because culture is powerful, and those who control it often control the narrative. It’s up to us to disrupt that.
If you’re wondering where to start, check out the Reflective Compass—a curated guide to civic engagement and actionable steps to make a difference.
Final Thoughts: Performances Are Temporary; Consequences Are Forever
As Snoop Dogg and Nelly collect their checks, we’re left asking the uncomfortable questions. What does this say about the commodification of culture? About the ease with which political figures can co-opt art to serve their agendas? Malcolm X would have called it what it is: a dangerous game of distraction.
So next time you see a rapper headlining a political event, ask yourself: Are they here to uplift us—or to cash in on us? Because when the music stops, we’re the ones left dealing with the consequences.
What are your thoughts? Let’s keep the conversation going. Comment below or share this blog with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s stay critical, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay reflective.
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