Now, they are being taken to task by their peers in the music industry, with Janelle Monáe specifically calling out Nelly in a post-Grammys freestyle. When she was given the beat to Nelly’s 2002 hit “Hot In Herre” to rap over, she obliged, but used the opportunity to criticize the St. Louis native for selling out.

Count Janelle Monáe among those furious at Nelly for his performance at Donald Trump's Liberty Ball inauguration celebration on Jan. 20. Monáe hit the stage Sunday night alongside Anderson .Paak and a live band at a 2025 Grammy Awards afterparty going down at Andy's in West Hollywood.