Noblesville, Indiana
Photos and Review by Hadyn Mayes (Photography by Halo)
Ruoff Music Center was set ablaze with pure hip-hop energy as Busta Rhymes took the stage as an opening act for the iconic 50 Cent. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of two rap legends on one stage. From the very moment Busta Rhymes burst onto the scene, it was evident that this was going to be an opening performance for the ages.
As the lights dimmed, the audience roared in excitement. and Busta Rhymes appeared, on a throne that spun around to the drop of the beat. He was oozing with confidence and charisma. He wasted no time in setting the tone for the night, launching into a flurry of hits that spanned his extensive career. The stage came alive with a dynamic display of visuals, enhanced by impressive lighting effects that perfectly complemented the high-octane performance.
Busta Rhymes' stage presence was nothing short of electrifying. His rapid-fire delivery, intricate wordplay, and trademark flow showcased his undeniable talent as one of hip-hop's most skilled lyricists. The crowd was fully engaged, hanging on to every word and rhythm as he flawlessly performed hits like "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check," "Break Ya Neck," and "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II."
The veteran rapper's interaction with the audience and his right hand hype man and cousin Spliff Star was equally impressive. He exuded genuine appreciation for his fans, frequently encouraging them to participate and chant along with his songs. The energy inside the venue was contagious, with everyone feeding off Busta Rhymes' enthusiasm and passion for his craft. There were many fun moments of banter between Busta and Spliff throughout the night. Two that stick out to me in particular , during one of the signature rapid fire rap verses, Spliff held his hand next to Busta’s cheek and acted as if he was turning down a volume knob to which Busta slowly got quieter and quieter while continuing to rap his verse, and increasing the volume when Spliff turned it back up.
The other stand out moment was midway through his set, Busta Rhymes took a moment to pay homage to hip-hop's roots and its profound impact on the culture. He honored fellow artists who paved the way and emphasized the importance of unity within the hip-hop community. He mentioned some of the recent special moments in his career such as receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from BET this year. He and Spliff grabbed two bottles of champagne and did a toast with the crowd. This powerful moment resonated with fans, and it was evident that Busta Rhymes' love for the genre and fans ran deep.
As his set neared its end, Busta Rhymes took a moment to express his gratitude for the opportunity to open for 50 Cent. He praised 50 Cent as a legendary figure in the rap game and shared his excitement for what was to come later in the evening.
Busta Rhymes' opening performance for 50 Cent was an absolute show-stopper. The rapper proved once again why he is considered a hip-hop icon, delivering a masterful display of skill, passion, and showmanship. His ability to engage the audience and set the stage on fire with his infectious energy was the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable night of hip-hop at Ruoff Music Center. With Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent joining forces on one stage, fans were treated to an evening that will undoubtedly go down in hip-hop history.