Busta Rhymes, the renowned rapper known for hits like “Make It Clap” and “Touch It,” made a bold statement during his performance at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. The 52-year-old artist expressed frustration with concert-goers who were more focused on their phones than on the live experience.
“F—k them camera phones. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird ass devices down. I ain’t from that era. Them s—ts don’t control us all. F—k your phone,” Rhymes passionately shouted to the crowd, as captured in a social media video.
Asserting his stance further, Rhymes called out individuals who remained seated, challenging them to engage actively in the performance. “I’m gon’ point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up,” he emphasized. “33 years of this s—t. I ain’t used to n—as sitting down at my show. I don’t give a f—k. All age groups, get your ass up, now.”
Addressing the significance of the moment, Rhymes underscored, “This is my first time in New Orleans at the f—king 30 year anniversary of the Essence Festival. Make me feel like we home.”
The Essence Festival, an annual celebration of Black culture established in 1994, provided the backdrop for Rhymes’ impassioned plea for live engagement. Following the event, clips of his outspoken remarks circulated widely on social media, sparking a mix of reactions from fans.
Support for Rhymes’ perspective echoed among some fans. “So #BustaRhymes went off at the crowd while performing,” one supporter wrote. “I love THIS energy and he had every right to call them out!! Like he said, he’s not USED to people sitting still in their seats and watching purely through their phones. I’m glad someone said it!!”
However, not all responses were favorable. Some critics argued against Rhymes’ approach, suggesting it was harsh given that fans had paid for tickets. “Busta is a legendary MC but that dont give you the right to talk to people like that, especially after they paid for tickets. Bad take man,” one commenter remarked.
In the midst of varying opinions, Busta Rhymes’ call for a more interactive concert experience has sparked a dialogue about live event etiquette and the balance between technology and presence.
Source:usmagazine.com
