Busta Rhymes Curses Out Essence Fest Crowd for Using Phones During Performance: 'Put Them Weird Ass Devices Down!'

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

The legendary rapper, 52, grew frustrated with the crowd at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture on Friday, July 5, after seeing audience members seated and seemingly scrolling on their phones during his set. 

“Ayo f--- them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans,” he said onstage, per viral recorded footage. “Put them weird ass devices down!” 

The hip-hop legend added, “I ain’t from that era. Them s---s don’t control the soul, f--- your phone!”

Busta (real name Trevor Smith) then began singling out concertgoers, saying, “I will point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up!”

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

He then instructed “all age groups” to “get y’all big head asses up” before continuing with what he said was his debut performance at the New Orleans festival. 

“The reason why there will be zero tolerance for bulls--- energy in here is because this is my first time in New Orleans at the f---ing 30-year anniversary of the Essence Fest,” Busta concluded alongside his longtime collaborator and hype man, Spliff Star. “Make me feel like we home! 

Busta appeared on the 2024 Essence Festival lineup alongside fellow legacy acts like Charlie Wilson, SWV, The Roots and Birdman, who hosted a Hot Boys reunion — sans Lil Wayne — with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and B.G. Others who performed include D-Nice, Victoria Monét and Ayra Starr.

Janet Jackson and Usher also headlined the festival, with the latter performing a special set that included his entire Confessions album in honor of its 20th anniversary.