Busta Rhymes used the stage to convey an emotional message to fans during his Friday performance at the Essence Festival.
While performing at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, he shouted at the crowd to "f**k them camera phones" and behave like people. "F**k your phone," he said, emphasizing that he is not from a generation that used phones 24/7.
Rhymes, 52, went on to say that he was put off by anyone who sat through his performances and that he needed the audience's undivided attention. He asked the audience to welcome him and said that he would tolerate no negative energy at all.
Rhymes called his reaction "SHOWMANSHIP" in an Instagram post after the show. He recognized that performing at the 30th anniversary of the Essence Festival was an honor, and praised the New Orleans crowd for their "INCREDIBLE ENERGY."
Responses to his rant were mixed. Some clearly supported his message, and lamented the way that current generations show their artistic appreciation.
Others offered other examples that Rhymes' words reminded them of.
But it was the end of the video that got everyone, showing how few people were actually at the event.
Folks said this is not the first time Rhymes was demanding on stage.
People provided context for the empty seats: there was terrible weather outside and people were cautioned against leaving their homes.
Others tried to defend the crowd because of their age.
Not everyone had sympathy for Rhymes' age, however.
Rhymes and others are accompanying Missy Elliot on her Out of This World tour this summer.
