Michael “Harry O” Harris has stepped forward to defend Snoop Dogg amid criticism over his performance at a Donald Trump event.
The Death Row Records co-founder dismissed claims that Snoop’s appearance was a betrayal to his community, urging critics to consider the rapper’s broader contributions and intentions.
Speaking on TMZ Live, Harris addressed the backlash Snoop has faced for performing at Trump’s pre-inauguration ball. He clarified that the performance wasn’t a political endorsement but rather an act of respect for the office of the presidency, not the individual occupying it.
Harris emphasized the need to separate the man from the institution, highlighting that Snoop’s actions weren’t meant to signal allegiance to Trump’s policies or persona.
Harris also acknowledged that Trump’s pardon of him for a drug trafficking conviction likely played a role in Snoop’s decision. The rapper’s support for Harris, who was released from prison in 2021 after serving decades behind bars, underscores their close bond and mutual respect.
For critics calling Snoop a sellout, Harris pointed to the rapper’s extensive community efforts, particularly his youth football league, which has helped over 50 underprivileged children pursue careers as professional athletes. He noted that Snoop’s legacy is built on uplifting his community, not abandoning it, and one performance shouldn’t overshadow years of impactful work.
Harris also extended his defense to other hip-hop artists who have faced similar scrutiny for performing at Trump events, including Nelly. He reiterated the importance of separating the art from the politics, reminding audiences that performances don’t always equate to endorsements.
Ultimately, Harris framed Snoop Dogg’s decision as a nuanced one, rooted in personal experiences and professional responsibilities rather than political alignment. For him, the conversation should focus less on the event and more on the artist’s enduring contributions to culture and community.
Leave a Reply