In a surprising twist of events, rap icon Snoop Dogg found himself at the center of a political storm during the waning days of Donald Trump’s tumultuous presidency. According to a Rolling Stone report, the rapper’s past criticism of the former president allegedly sparked a fiery tantrum within the Oval Office.
Snoop Dogg, known for his unfiltered commentary and bold artistic expression, had been a vocal critic of Trump throughout his controversial tenure. In a 2020 YouTube video, he didn’t mince words, calling Trump out as a “racist” who disrespected various groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. His message was clear: Trump’s actions had consequences, and voters needed to hold him accountable.
But it was a specific case that would ultimately ignite the president’s ire. Snoop had been working behind the scenes to advocate for Michael “Harry-O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, who was serving time on cocaine trafficking and attempted murder charges. Trump’s aides compiled a dossier on Snoop, documenting his criticisms and past statements. When presented with this information, the Republican leader reportedly exclaimed,
“Well, f*** him”
The plot thickened when Snoop’s team and other aides showed Trump footage of the rapper praising him. Suddenly, the tone shifted. In a last-minute reversal, Trump granted clemency to Harry-O on his final day in office. The rapper’s influence had swayed the president, leading to a surprising outcome.
Snoop’s relationship with Trump had been anything but straightforward. In 2017, his music video for “Lavender” caused a stir when he pointed a fake gun at a Trump lookalike and pulled the trigger. The clip drew a response from Trump himself, who wondered aloud what the reaction would have been if Snoop had aimed at President Obama.
However, in recent years, Snoop’s stance softened. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he expressed a more conciliatory view:
“Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me.”
Notably, he praised Trump for pardoning Harry-O, acknowledging the positive impact on the rapper’s life.
As Snoop Dogg’s six-year-old criticism resurfaced, Trump’s frustration reportedly grew. The rapper’s words haunted the president during his final days in office, distracting him from other matters. Despite their rocky history, Snoop’s advocacy ultimately led to a significant outcome for Harry-O.
In the annals of hip-hop and politics, this unexpected chapter serves as a reminder that even artists’ voices can echo within the hallowed halls of power. Snoop Dogg’s impact on the clemency decision remains a fascinating footnote in the saga of Trump’s presidency.
