Busta Rhymes chastises the Essence Fest audience for using cell phones during the act: “Turn Off Their Crazy Devices!”

“I’m not from that generation. During his July 5 Essence Fest performance, the rapper yelled, “F— your phone!” at the audience.

Using a cell phone during one of Busta Rhymes’ live performances is strictly prohibited.

The renowned rapper, 52, became agitated with the attendees of the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture on Friday, July 5, when observing that some of them were sitting and appeared to be browsing through their phones while he was performing.

“Ayo fuck those cameras on phones too.” He remarked onstage, as captured in widely shared video, “Let’s get back to interacting like humans.” “Turn off those strange ass devices!”

“I ain’t from that era,” the legendary rapper continued. Get over your phone, these s—s don’t own the soul!

“I will point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up,” said Busta, whose actual name is Trevor Smith, as he started to single out concertgoers.

“I ain’t used to n—-s sitting down at my show,” the “I Know What You Want” rapper said to the audience, acknowledging his 33-year career as an artist. I couldn’t care less!”

He continued with what he claimed to be his maiden performance at the New Orleans event after telling “all age groups” to “get y’all big head asses up.”

“There’s gonna be no room for bullshit energy in here because this is my first time in New Orleans at the f—ing 30-year anniversary of the Essence Fest,” Busta and his hype man, Spliff Star, said in closing. “Please make me feel at home!

Busta was scheduled to perform at the 2024 Essence Festival alongside other legendary acts including as Charlie Wilson, SWV, The Roots, and Birdman. Birdman was also hosting a reunion of the Hot Boys with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and B.G., but without Lil Wayne. D-Nice, Victoria Monét, and Ayra Starr were among the other performers.

Usher, who was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album Confessions, gave a unique show that featured the whole album. Janet Jackson was the festival’s other featured performer.