Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes did not hold back his feelings about phone use during his performance at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture. On Friday, July 5, the 52-year-old artist, whose real name is Trevor Smith, called out the audience for sitting down and presumably using their phones during his set.

In a video clip from the event, Busta can be heard voicing his frustration: “Ayo, f— them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird-ass devices down!” He emphasized his disdain for the digital distraction by saying, “I ain’t from that era. Them s—s don’t control the soul, f— your phone!”

Also, read; Davido Reacts to Young Jonn’s Photo with Cousin Nike Adeleke, Sparking Dating Rumors

Determined to energize the crowd, Busta began calling out individuals for sitting down, urging them to get on their feet. “I will point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up! 33 years of doing this, and I ain’t used to n—-s sitting down at my show. I don’t give a f—! All age groups get your ass up now,” he demanded.

Busta further explained his zero tolerance for lackluster energy, highlighting the significance of the event: “This is my first time in New Orleans at the f—ing 30-year anniversary of the Essence Fest… Make me feel like we home!” he said with a smile, reinforcing the importance of engaging with the performance.

The Essence Festival of Culture, celebrated as the largest annual gathering of Black culture in the U.S., concluded on Sunday after four days of music and dialogue. This year’s lineup included iconic performances from artists such as Janet Jackson, Usher, Charlie Wilson, SWV, The Roots, Victoria Monét, Teedra Moses, Tank and the Bangas, Dawn Richard, Jagged Edge, Bilal, and Anthony Hamilton.