Additional Coverage:
Atlanta rapper Ludacris is facing a wave of criticism from fans after being added to the lineup for the 2026 Rock The Country music festival, an event widely dubbed the “MAGA Music Fest” due to its pro-American branding and association with artists known for supporting former President Donald Trump.
The announcement has led to an outpouring of “disappointment” from fans, many of whom are threatening to “remove his songs” from their playlists and streaming services. Comments have flooded Ludacris’s social media, particularly on a recent Instagram post, with followers expressing their dismay.
One commenter wrote, “Just removed FOUR of your songs off my playlist that gets a lot of traction. This is inexcusable AND inexplicable.
But Katt told us.” Another stated, “Another artist I love who I will can no longer support.
I hope it was worth it.” A third added, “Unfollowed and blocked from all my streaming services, Maga doesn’t get my money, disappointing.”
The festival, which will feature Ludacris alongside artists like Nelly, Creed, Shinedown, Blake Shelton, and Brooks & Dunn at various locations, has drawn its “MAGA” moniker from its country-themed lineup and connections to figures such as Kid Rock and Jason Aldean.
While Nelly has had past associations with the “MAGA” movement, including performing at President Trump’s inauguration, Ludacris’s involvement has surprised many given his previous alignment with the Democratic party. He publicly supported Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012 and recently endorsed Hill Harper for U.S. Senate in 2024.
Fans have labeled both Ludacris and Nelly as “sellouts” and “cash chasers,” arguing that their participation in such an event betrays their principles for financial gain. One particularly impassioned follower commented, “I cannot say how profoundly disappointed.
I am with everything that’s going around in the world. That you would perform and support those people.
Actively attacking your community, your history and your existence… The reflection of your personal character in this moment.
Is all anyone’s ever gonna remember you before? And that’s really sad you have a lot of talent and not much decency, just to do stuff for a buck and not for principle.”