Atlanta resident Nelly says Trump inauguration performance ‘isn’t politics’

“I respect the office,” Nelly, a St. Louis native who resides in Atlanta, said Saturday. “This isn’t politics. The politics for me (are) over. He won. He’s the president, he’s the commander-in-chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”

During the 50-minute chat, Nelly talked about being born on a military base in Austin, Texas, and how that family history makes him feel honored to perform on Inauguration Day.

He also said Monday’s events will mark the first time he’s been asked to perform for a president. However, he stressed he doesn’t want his decision to influence others, adding that “performing for somebody and voting for somebody are two different things.”

“That means if these people can give their lives for the office, (then) Nelly can perform,” the rapper said, when asked how his family’s miliary history was relevant to his inauguration performance.

Credit: Ron Williams

Credit: Ron Williams

Nelly didn’t go into specifics about what inspired him to participate in the inauguration or whether he was paid to perform. But he did note that he isn’t doing it for money.

Throughout the lengthy conversation, he repeatedly mentioned how he feels it is necessary for society to welcome differing opinions, but he didn’t provide much clarity on what his own are. Nelly’s team has not responded to requests for comment.

When asked whether he supports Trump, Nelly stated that he backs the office of president regardless of who’s elected.

Nelly also said he isn’t phased by the online backlash he’s receiving, given Trump’s history of racially charged comments.

“We fought to have a difference of opinion,” Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes Jr., said. “Dr. King had a difference of opinion. Brother Malcolm X had a difference of opinion. You are allowed to do that.”

After much speculation, the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee confirmed Nelly’s appearance Saturday afternoon.

The Grammy-winning rapper is scheduled to hit the stage during Trump’s Liberty Ball on Monday night. Nelly is joining artists like country singer Jason Aldean and disco group the Village People.

Carrie Underwood, the biggest star on the lineup so far, will perform “America the Beautiful.”

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

“This marks a pivotal moment in our country where people from all backgrounds are joining together to commemorate President Trump’s victory and the start of a new golden era for America,” the committee stated in an email about the updated lineup.

Nelly isn’t the only rapper to participate in Trump’s inauguration festivities this year. Friday night, Snoop Dogg headlined a Crypto Ball held in honor of Trump’s second presidency. Rick Ross, a Fayetteville resident, and Soulja Boy, an Atlanta native, also made appearances. Both rappers posted about the event on Instagram.

“Nah, chill I’m not performing,” Ross said to fans in an Instagram story posted on Friday, referring to the Crypto Ball and questions on whether he’s performing on Inauguration Day. “I am in Washington D.C. right now, but I’m not performing. It’s a private vibe I’m doing with my brother Snoop Dogg.”

Last year, Nelly hosted a star-studded, Western-themed birthday celebration in honor of turning 50. The party was held at Atlanta’s Guardian Works.

“I didn’t really get a chance to have birthday parties until I could afford to throw them myself,” Nelly told the AJC at the time. “Not to put any disparages on my mom and dad because they did the best they could. This is a big one.”

Nelly also performed at Atlanta’s ONE Musicfest last year. In March, he is slated to headline his Where the Party At Tour, along with Eve and Ja Rule. The tour is expected to stop at Atlanta’s Lakewood Amphitheatre in September.

Regarding his actual performance on Monday, Nelly remained mum on details. But he ensured Willie D that he’ll play a variety of his discography.

“I’m from the hoods to the woods,” Nelly said at the end of the conversation.