Opinions Split as Janelle Monae Criticizes Nelly in Grammy After-Party Freestyle

Janelle Monae didn’t hold back from letting the world know how she feels about Nelly for performing at Donald Trump’s Inauguration.

Monae did so while performing Nelly’s song at a Grammy after-party, and her actions generated a buzz on social media.

However, while some fans lauded Monae for calling Nelly out, others felt she went overboard and shouldn’t have disrespected him the way she did.

Monae had a busy night at the 67th Grammy Awards, which took place on Sunday. She took the stage during the ceremony to perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in honor of Quincy Jones.

While that performance was great, it was Monae’s performance at Andy’s in West Hollywood during a Grammys after-party that set social media abuzz.

The rapper participated in a live session with Anderson .Paak and performed a medley of songs, including Nelly’s hit tune, “Hot in Herre.”

However, Monae seemingly infuriated Monae, who started freestyling, changing the song’s lyrics and dissing Nelly in the process.

TMZ obtained a video that showed Monae rapping, “I used to like Nelly but then he went to perform for Donald Trump.”

Monae continued, “F-ck that n-gga, I care about women, I care about Hispanics, I care about Spanish people, I care about gay people.”

The “Yoga” crooner continued rebuking Nelly as she rapped, “You sold out, I used to think you was cool, but now you look like a motherf-cking fool.”

Building on her performance, Monae directed some fiery words towards Nelly, rapping, “Attending the inauguration to engage with someone who doesn’t care about your opinions. I’m not interested in what you have to say.”

The 39-year-old singer admitted she was tipsy, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t in her right senses.

She rapped, “I might be a little tipsy, but I know everything I’m motherf-cking saying.”

Monae concluded her bars by telling Nelly, “F-ck you,” before advising him to “get a new attitude.”

After Monae’s explicit freestyle targeting Nelly, fans had mixed reactions. While some believed that the rapper deserved the criticism, others thought the backlash was justified considering his actions.

One person wrote, “Lol lol more of this please. Bring shame back.”

Another person opined, “That’s not what roasted means, but good of her for calling him out.”

A third person shared, “At least one celeb said something. No one else said a word.”

Another fan said the same energy should be dished out to other rappers who performed for Donald Trump.

They wrote, “THIS is the energy we need towards ALL of them who performed! They did it because they think the Black community is fickle. 50 Cent stood with us and turned it down because he knows where his support comes from. Let’s remind the others.”

On the other hand, other fans felt Janelle Monae’s Nelly shade was uncalled for and criticized her for doing the OG rapper dirty.

One fan wrote, “Nelly is an OG,” while another person added, “She’s just mad that we all know who Nelly is, but none of us know who she is.”

A third person shut down Monae, writing, “This ugly lesbian anti-American black American infiltrator did not roast anyone. Shut that dry -ss up. I’m sure Nelly is sitting around somewhere and unfazed by that low noise.”

They continued, “She ain’t even got enough hit songs around her belt to reach his level. Half of America don’t even know who this b-tch is, but yet y’all trying to gaslight her broke down raggedy lesbian non-talented -ss. Sit this one out…”

Another disgruntled fan warned Monae, “She better leave Nelly alone…”

A fifth person added, “You hate Nelly but performing his song?! This was completely uncalled for. Let Nelly do him & you do you Boobie. We are our own worse enemy. Quick to turn on one another. You don’t have to agree with another man’s decisions. Only yours can open up heaven’s gates for you. SMH!!!”

Nelly received heavy criticism following his decision to perform for Donald Trump but defended himself during an interview with Willie D.

The rapper stated he wasn’t endorsing Trump but respecting the office of the presidency.

Nelly clarified that performing for a president differs from supporting or voting for them. He also denied claims of a financial motive, calling it an honor.

Despite criticism, he remained unfazed, asserting his belief in honoring the presidency regardless of who holds office.