Singer Nelly has defended his upcoming gig at Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration on Monday, calling it an “honor” to help lead the historic festivities. The “Hot in Herre” rapper denied in an interview with podcaster Willie D on Saturday that he accepted the invitation to perform at Trump’s Liberty Ball on Monday evening for a paycheck.

The 50-year-old St. Lunatic told the Geto Boys rapper, "it's an honor" to “perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”