Let’s be real—some artists age; others level up. Busta Rhymes is firmly in the latter category. Last night at the New York State Fair, the legendary rapper didn’t just perform; he orchestrated a masterclass in energy, showmanship, and pure hip-hop excellence.
From the moment he hit the stage, Busta owned the crowd. The man has been in the game for decades, yet he moves, rhymes, and engages like it’s still the ’90s. The setlist was a carefully curated trip through his iconic discography—hits like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” “Break Ya Neck,” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” had the entire fairgrounds vibrating. And let’s not forget the surprises: a tribute to the late, great DMX, a few bars from his newer joints, and even a moment where he let the beat breathe just to remind everyone why he’s one of the greatest MCs ever.
But what truly stood out was Busta’s connection with the audience. He didn’t just perform at them; he performed with them. At one point, he had the whole crowd clapping in sync, then “making it rain” (metaphorically, of course—though with the energy in the air, it felt real), and finally turning the entire field into a dance floor. It was a reminder that hip-hop, at its core, is about unity, rhythm, and raw expression.
In an era where live shows often rely on backing tracks, excessive production, and lip-syncing, Busta Rhymes gave us something refreshingly authentic: a real rap show. No gimmicks, just bars, presence, and that unmistakable voice roaring through the night.
If you weren’t there, you missed a moment. But if you were—you know exactly why Busta remains untouchable.
**Setlist Highlights:**
- “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check”
- “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”
- “Break Ya Neck”
- “Pass the Courvoisier”
- “Touch It”
- Tribute to DMX
- “Look at Me Now”
- …and more classic cuts.
Long live Busta. Long live hip-hop.
