Busta Rhymes curses out Essence Fest audience for using phones during performance

Busta Rhymes has a “zero tolerance” policy towards cell phone use during live performances.

The legendary rapper, 52, was left frustrated by the crowd’s behavior at the 2024 event. Being Culture Festival on Friday, July 5, after he saw audience members sitting and scrolling on their phones during his performance.

“Ayo, fuck camera phones too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans,” he said on stage, according to a video that went viral. “Put those weird devices away!”

The hip-hop legend added: “I’m not from that era. These s—s ain’t soul control, f–k your phone!”

Busta (real name Trevor Smith) began pointing fingers at concertgoers, saying, “I’m going to point at every single one of you until you lift your asses!”

The “I Know What You Want” rapper acknowledged his 33-year career as a showman, telling the crowd, “I ain’t used to n***as sitting at my show. I don’t give a damn!”

He then instructed “people of all ages” to “get your heads up, get your asses up,” before continuing with what he said was his debut performance at the New Orleans festival.

“The reason there will be zero tolerance for bulls— energy here is because this is my first time in New Orleans for the fucking 30th anniversary of Essence Fest,” Busta concluded, along with his longtime collaborator and hype man, Spliff Star. “Make me feel at home!

Busta was named to the 2024 Essence Festival lineup alongside Charlie Wilson, SWV, The Roots and Birdman, who hosted a reunion of the Hot Boys — sans Lil Wayne — with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and BG. Others who performed included D-Nice, Victoria Monét and Ayra Starr.

The festival’s headliners also included Janet Jackson and Usher, with the latter performing a special set that included his entire Confessions album released to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary.