Nelly Addresses Criticism After Accepting Donald Trump’s Inauguration Gig

Nelly has justified his choice to play at Donald Trump’s inauguration, describing it as “an honor.”

Alongside Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Village People, and Jason Aldean, the “Dilemma” hitmaker will play on Monday at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as the Republican is inaugurated in for his second term as president. 

“I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices,” the 50-year-old rapper said on YouTube to Geto Boys’ Willie D after receiving criticism for endorsing the divisive politician. If you do as I do, there shouldn’t even be a disagreement. He is the head of state. He triumphed.

The president is him. He serves as the head of state of what I consider to be the greatest nation on earth.

According to the “Ride Wit Me” actor, he never took the job for the money and it has nothing to do with “politics.”

Nelly went on: “I’m not doing this for financial gain. This is an honor, which is why I am doing it. I have regard for the office. It is irrelevant who is in charge. In the same manner as our kin risk their lives in battle for the candidate in power. Therefore, if they are willing to risk their lives for the person in charge, I can definitely perform for them.

Village People, who earlier pushed Trump to cease playing their hit song “Y.M.C.A.” at his rallies, are participating in “at least one event” to commemorate the inauguration.

The disco band released a statement saying, “We are announcing today that VILLAGE PEOPLE have accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump’s campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump.”

They went on to defend the choice, saying: “We understand that this [won’t] please everyone, but we think that music should be performed regardless of politics.” We believe that our song, Y.M.C.A., can serve as a national unifier following a turbulent and polarized campaign in which our favorite candidate lost.