by It’s safe to say Janelle Monae is no longer a fan of Nelly. The “Tightrope” singer had some not so kind words for St. Louis rapper over his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration. While vibing at Anderson .Paak’s Grammy afterparty, the multi-talented songstress didn’t hold back when Nelly’s “Hot In Herre” started playing. Instead of just singing along, Monáe grabbed the mic and let loose with an impromptu freestyle that had the crowd shocked.
“I used to like Nelly, but then he went to perform for Donald Trump/Fuck that n-gga, don’t give a fuck,” Monáe spit with passion, sending a clear message that she wasn’t feeling the St. Louis rapper’s political choices. She doubled down, making it clear that her loyalty lies with marginalized communities: “I care about women, I care about Hispanics, I care about Spanish people/I care about Black people, I care about gay people.”
The energy in the room shifted, with heads nodding and people catching on to what was happening. Monáe wasn’t just rapping,she was making a political stance, adding: “Fuck you Nelly, you sold out/I used to think he was cool, but now you look like a muthafuckin fool/Going to the inauguration to participate with some n-gga who don’t give a fuck about how you feeling/I don’t care what you really saying/I might be a little tipsy but I know everything that I’m saying!”
Nelly’s performance at Trump’s Inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20 stirred up major controversy, and Monáe wasn’t the only one side-eyeing him. The “Dilemma” rapper had already faced backlash online, but in an interview with Geto Boys legend Willie D, he tried to justify his decision.
“He’s the president—he won!” Nelly said, shrugging off critics. “This isn’t a campaign… I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor. I respect the office.”
Nelly’s explanation didn’t go over well with naysayers. Many fans felt like he was capping, especially since Trump’s presidency has been marred by policies and rhetoric that hurt Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities, and those are exactly the people Monáe stands for.
Janelle Monáe’s words echoed the frustration of many who saw Nelly’s performance as a betrayal. For an artist who came up from hip-hop and R&B, genres deeply rooted in Black culture, to align himself with a president who many view as racist and divisive? Yeah, people were mad.
But Nelly wasn’t backing down. He claimed his track record of community work speaks louder than politics.
“If politics are above anything that a person stands for and has done, then I apologize that I quote-unquote let you down,” he said. “I thought you were riding with me for the scholarships that I’ve given away, the kids I’ve helped, the people I’ve supported.”
And then came the moment that had people shaking their heads. Nelly straight-up questioned whether Trump was a white supremacist. “Show me where he’s a white supremacist,” he said, before struggling to defend Trump’s history. He tried to dismiss Trump’s past racist practices, like refusing to rent to Black tenants in the ’70s, as something people can “change” from.
For Monáe and many others, though, it wasn’t just about one moment in time. It was about the bigger picture, Trump’s policies, his words, and the impact on communities of color.
Monáe’s freestyle was about Black artists aligning themselves with politicians who don’t have their communities’ best interests at heart. In a time where hip-hop is more politically active than ever, fans expect artists to take a stand.
Nelly’s argument that he was just respecting the office? It didn’t land. Not when that same office has pushed policies that hurt Black communities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people.
As for Monáe, she made it crystal clear where she stands. And from the reaction at that afterparty, she’s far from alone.
