Rapper Busta Rhymes made headlines during his performance at Essence Festival on Friday night when he expressed frustration with the crowd's energy. The 52-year-old artist called out fans for being on their phones instead of engaging with the show, using explicit language to convey his message.
Rhymes urged the audience to put down their devices and interact like humans, emphasizing his preference for a more traditional form of engagement. He singled out individuals in the crowd, insisting that they stand up and participate in the performance.
Expressing his discontent with the seated attendees, Rhymes demanded that everyone in the venue get on their feet, citing his long career in the music industry as a reason for his expectations of an energetic audience.
The rapper attributed his outburst to his desire for a high-energy atmosphere, particularly as he was performing in New Orleans for the first time at the 30th anniversary of the Essence Festival. He encouraged the crowd to make him feel at home and expressed his zero tolerance for what he deemed as negative energy.
While some social media users criticized Rhymes for his approach, pointing out the empty seats in the venue, others defended him by noting that a rainstorm outside likely contributed to the lower attendance. One attendee shared that despite the initial backlash, the performance was well-received in their section, with many enjoying the set.
