Battle Mode Not Currently Planned For Crytek’s New Shooter

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The process of getting a movie off of the ground is a lengthy endeavor, with casting standing out as one of the essential elements of the process. Simon Doe has his tongue planted in his cheek as he describes the fictional skills of his advancing agent.Praesent iaculis, purus ac vehicula mattis, arcu lorem blandit nisl, non laoreet dui mi eget elit. Donec porttitor ex vel augue maximus luctus. Vivamus finibus nibh eu nunc volutpat suscipit.
Nam vulputate libero quis nisi euismod rhoncus. Sed eu euismod felis. Aenean ullamcorper dapibus odio ac tempor. Aliquam iaculis, quam vitae imperdiet consectetur, mi ante semper metus, ac efficitur nisi justo ut eros. Maecenas suscipit turpis fermentum elementum scelerisque.
Sed leo elit, volutpat quis aliquet eu, elementum eget arcu. Aenean ligula tellus, malesuada eu ultrices vel, vulputate sit amet metus. Donec tincidunt sapien ut enim feugiat, sed egestas dolor ornare.

“Simon Doe has his tongue planted in his cheek as he describes the
fictional skills of his advancing agent.”Steve Kowalsky

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Nisi habitasse viverra praesent a maecenas odio erat tristique praesent elementum rutrum maecenas blandit nec curabitur donec, turpis varius etiam felis ultrices sit, per inceptos dapibus fames donec praesent quisque commodo primis proin leo nisl lacinia dictumst justo sagittis luctus vestibulum sed quisque.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPh0kfMRIFA]
Potenti fusce himenaeos hac aenean quis donec vivamus aliquet, wprdpress integer inceptos curae sollicitudin in class sociosqu netus, euismod tempus fermentum odio gravida eleifend viverra pulvinar inceptos ligula consectetur. Potenti ante porttitor tristique curae scelerisque tristique, dictum eu donec conubia sit rutrum duis viverra in commodo.

Rum n Wuk: We Outside. We Pretty in Pink!

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Kaeshelle Rianne

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We Outside. We Pretty in Pink!

Rum n Wuk have become a reliable source of colourful, themed fetes all year round over the past year. And they were very serious about the pink theme back at the height of British summertime. They may as well have said, “wear pink or go home,” turning people away at the door. The event was equivalent to the Barbie movie premieres last year, except we were looking at an 800-strong room full of dancehall lovers and soca heads—it was real sweet.

Upon arrival, we received fluorescent pink wristbands and all-important branded cups, making sure partygoers stayed on brand—even while sipping concoctions of rum and other such spirits. Baby pink ribbons, fuchsia balloons, and other magenta decorative objects hung from the ceilings and adorned the venue’s walls. The vision was not only crystal clear but well executed. Cynics might only see the strict dress code policy as a marketing ploy, and let’s face it, the sea of pink was something to look at, but there’s something about maintaining the vibe as a collective. Those who are down to make an effort, those flaunting the theme wicked bad, also tend to come to fete hard.

I’m personally always grateful for the sunshine, and I hope the heatwaves we’ve been experiencing get drawn out throughout the summer. That said, it was too hot inside that Shoreditch venue. Yes, there was a space outside for us to cool off, but with no outdoor sound system, the tunes were just a murmur among the chatter. Fortunately, the energy was just as high as the temperature. Dancehall, soca, bouyon, reggae and an array of other sounds from the Caribbean filled the room. And when jab came on, the Grenadians, of course, let loose as Spice Islanders should.

With his roaming microphone and usual antics, Mr Influential played the role of MC with finesse. On one hand, he kept the fetin’ spirit high, which meant no rest for the wickedest waistlines. Yes, it was hot and steamy. The heat of summer officially touched down in London, and this fete harnessed that energy into Caribbean-flavoured joy. The girlies in pink did not come to play, and neither did the man on the mic tasked with hyping them up.

On the other hand, Mr Influential gently reminded partygoers that the DJ booth ought not to be used as a brace to secure whines. And rightly so. The decks on the table were one bunx away from unplugging wires, inciting major upset. At one point, the attentive MC even got Majikal to reload a record he thought he could quickly skip past, de-escalating the outrage of reggae lovers caught in their feelings. What that tells us is that the dance was alive.

View all the Pink Edition photos here.

It may have been a bit cloudy, muggy, and sometimes sunny over the past few weeks. However, summer isn’t over yet. Everyone should be keeping their fingers crossed for the sunshine to show out this carnival weekend.

Rum n Wuk will continue to party after we’re all done on the road with a costume party on 2 November 2025. See all upcoming events in the UK and abroad on the website: www.rumnwuk.com.

See you at the next one,

Kaeshelle x

Vybz Kartel – Night 2, O2 Arena (Freedom Street Tour) Review

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Epik Jones

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Vybz Kartel – Night 2, O2 Arena (Freedom Street Tour) Review

London, Friday Night – 5 September 2025

The second night of Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Tour at the O2 Arena carried all the weight of expectation, and it did not disappoint.

Setting the Vibes

The arrival set the tone perfectly as Ricky Platinum warmed up the arena with sharp mixing, before Seani B added his trademark humour and crowd engagement. Their banter and back-and-forth created not only nostalgia but also a genuine sense of respect: one selector on the rise alongside a stalwart of dancehall broadcasting. Ricky Platinum’s supreme selection included the Shabba Madda Pot instrumental, before he exploded the O2 with one high-energy drop that reminded everyone why he is now considered one of the best in the game.

Opening Acts

Ishawna was first to step on stage. Though her set was short and at times could have connected more deeply with the audience, it succeeded in building anticipation for the night’s headline performance. ZJ Chrome and Nuffy followed, but the chants for Ricky Platinum’s return underscored how much of an impact he had made.

Vybz Kartel – Night 2, O2 Arena (Freedom Street Tour) Review @kevin_agastra

The King Arrives

Then, the moment London had been waiting for. Kartel made his entrance — emerging once again from a prison cell stage set. This time, instead of Dollar Sign, the intro flipped into Akon’s Locked Up remix, with Kartel ad-libbing “Let me out” before the grill lifted. The roar from the crowd was deafening.

Launching into Gun Session and rolling through anthem after anthem, the “World Boss” delivered with precision. Ramping Shop, Ever Blessed, Tun Up the Scheme, Virginity, Bend Like Banana — Kartel made sure the women, as he put it, were “pleased first.”

Managing the Unexpected

Midway through, a brawl broke out in the crowd. The sound system was cut, leaving only Kartel’s mic live. Rather than leave the stage, he refused, calming the arena with the words “Me nuh like this”. It was a moment of control that showed maturity, and once the tension eased, the music resumed.

Special Guests & Surprises

The night became historic when Shawn Storm joined Kartel on stage, the two sharing a spotlight after their shared time away. UK artists Krept & Konan and Sneakbo also lit up the crowd, Sneakbo’s Touch a Button freestyle drawing pure frenzy. Choreographer Amber Rae and her dancers brought the I Know challenge to life, though one felt their energy could have been used across the entire “gyal segment.”

Growth, Refinement, and Critique

Kartel addressed the “TikTok reviewers” directly, proving that he and his team are paying attention to fan feedback on set lists, attire, and arrangements. He tailored parts of the performance to UK audiences with songs like Party from Good Good Productions, while some numbers still showed vocal strain, with keys and octaves needing adjustment. Yet the crowd compensated, singing along word for word — even when Kartel seemed to lose track of a lyric.

Compared to Thursday’s show, Friday felt more refined, with higher energy and smoother crowd interaction. But there remain areas for development:

•Greater use of dancers and backup singers to fill out the performance.

•A dedicated hype man to support lyrics and crowd work.

•Stronger visual production — video backdrops, synced graphics, and AV could amplify the “King of Dancehall” brand.

•Merchandising opportunities were notably missed. No merch truck or memorabilia outside the venue meant fans left without souvenirs of what was a landmark night.

Final Word

By the close, Kartel’s emotional delivery of God Is the Greatest left the O2 in awe. Diplomatic in his praise, he highlighted Jamaica, NYC, and other stops, carefully avoiding controversy but still acknowledging London’s passion.

This second sold-out night at the O2 may well be his strongest performance yet on the Freedom Street Tour — proof that Kartel is still learning, still adapting, and still capable of commanding one of the world’s biggest stages. For a generation who grew up with his music, to see him deliver hardcore dancehall to a packed O2 Arena was nothing short of historic.

Vybz Kartel didn’t just perform — he cemented a legacy.

Images By: @kevin_agastra

DJ King Beatz on His Journey – From Saint Lucia to the World

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katty-rose

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DJ KingBeatz Feature Interview website banner image

Born and raised in Saint Lucia, DJ King Beatz has been surrounded by music for as long as he can remember. What started with a Facebook name generator and a natural gravitation toward DJing has since grown into a career that bridges cultures and sounds. With strong influences from reggae, old-school classics, soca, dancehall, and afrobeats, King Beatz has carved out a space that’s uniquely his own. Inspired by Caribbean trailblazers like DJ Puffy, and sharpened by his time on radio and live stages, he’s quickly becoming one of the region’s most promising talents. But his journey hasn’t come without hurdles — from late payments to being overlooked as a young DJ — challenges that he continues to overcome with persistence, growth, and a dedication to the craft.

Can you share the story behind your DJ name, “King Beatz”?

I got it from a Facebook name generator, then I removed “DJ” and added “King”.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a DJ, and how did you get started?

It was something that just happened naturally. I grew up around music/djs

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?

DJ Puffy was a huge inspiration for me. Watching him succeed on the Red Bull Thre3style stage and become recognized for his music production, and seeing someone from the Caribbean who I could relate to achieve that level of success, really gave me the confidence that I could make it as well.

How has your upbringing influenced your musical tastes and career?

My father significantly influenced my music taste. He found his happy place listening to reggae and old-school music, and by extension, I absorbed much of his musical preferences. Growing up in Saint Lucia, Soca, and Dennery Segment were and still are very influential in the music I play. Additionally, my friends were all passionate about music, so I was constantly exposed to a wide variety of sounds.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest hurdles I face are late payments and event promoters not taking younger, upcoming DJs seriously. On a more positive note, I’m constantly growing and refining my craft. I’m always working to improve my mic usage, scratching, and mixing techniques. My role at the RCI radio station has been a huge help, and my mic skills have definitely improved because of it.

How would you describe your signature sound or style?

Being a DJ from the Caribbean means I’m immersed in a melting pot of diverse musical genres that have influenced the world stage. Because of this, it isn’t easy to distil my style down to just one word.

What genres do you specialize in, and how do you keep your sets fresh and engaging?

I specialize in Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats to name a few. To keep my sets fresh and engaging, I stay on top of what’s trending and new by closely monitoring social media.

Can you walk us through your process of preparing for a live set or event?

I don’t typically prepare my sets in advance. Instead, I make sure to arrive at an event at least an hour early. If I’m not opening, I’ll listen to the DJs playing before me, taking note of what they’ve already played and how the crowd reacts. This helps me get a good read on the type of audience and what will really get them going.

How do you approach creating a playlist that resonates with diverse audiences?

I usually freestyle my sets, letting the energy of the music guide me. It’s all about how the music makes me and the audience feel. My playlists are a mix of vibes and hits, you know those songs, like “Get Busy” by Sean Paul, that people recognize and love no matter where you play them.

How do you read and adapt to the energy of a crowd during a performance?

There are clear signs when a DJ is going in the wrong direction with their music choices. The energy of the event drops, and people’s reactions and body language are big giveaways. It’s a lot of trial and error, but with time, you become better at maintaining the high vibe of an event.

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your gigs that stands out?

I specialize in Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats, to name a few. To keep my sets fresh and engaging, I stay on top of what’s trending and new by closely monitoring social media.

How do you handle song requests that might not fit the vibe you’re creating?

I just don’t play it.

Have you ever had to deal with technical difficulties during a set? How did you manage the situation?

There are many types of technical difficulties that can come up. Some I can solve on the fly without anyone even noticing, just by keeping calm and thinking quickly, while others are simply out of my hands.

How has the landscape of this career changed since you started, especially with technological advancements?

The equipment and software available now are advanced. We can now stream music during live sets, meaning that with an internet connection, we have access to virtually all the music in the world. These new mixers/controllers also allow DJs to reimagine and create new mixing techniques that were previously not possible or extremely difficult

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to make their mark?

Stay focused, keep practicing, do it for the right reason, and be all-rounded as an artist.

For DJ King Beatz, the mission is simple: keep the music alive, keep the crowds moving, and keep pushing boundaries. His versatility, cultural roots, and ability to read and adapt to any audience make him a rising force in the global DJ scene. And as technology reshapes the industry, King Beatz is determined to stay ahead while remaining grounded in his Caribbean essence. If one thing’s clear, it’s that this Saint Lucian DJ isn’t just spinning tracks — he’s building a legacy, one set at a time.

Contact/Socials: Instagram : Kingbeatz_
tiktok: kingbeatz758
soundcloud:kingbeatz758

Living the EPIK Lifestyle – Epik Jones From Sound System Culture to Global Influence

By

katty-rose

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Epik Jones is more than just a DJ — he’s an ever-evolving entertainer, producer, consultant, and storyteller who lives by the mantra Entertaining People Increasing Knowledge (EPIK). From growing up between St. Thomas, Jamaica and multicultural London, to becoming a trailblazer in dancehall’s sound system culture, Epik has carved a path that blends innovation, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether rocking a stage as Sean Paul’s tour opener, producing viral hits like “Let Out the Donkey,” or consulting some of the biggest brands and events, Epik Jones continues to prove that his journey is about more than music — it’s about building a global movement grounded in Caribbean culture and knowledge.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers—who is Epik Jones in your own words?

Epik Jones is an ever evolving entertainer that lives the EPIK lifestyle of Entertaining People Increasing Knowledge, this applies to all ventures whether DJing, Sound System culture, Producing, Marketing, Consulting and

How did you first get into music, and what drew you to DJing specifically?

I wanted to club but starting school young, the one gap to get in venues was to become a DJ and not get asked for I.D

Where did you grow up, and how did your environment shape your musical tastes?

I grew up between Albion, St. Thomas, Jamaica and London. Life in Jamaica, street dances, radio and life in multi cultural London meant I was always going to be musically rounded and uniquely developed.

What was the first event or gig that made you feel like, “This is what I’m meant to do”?

When I was featured on Winford Williams ‘The Party’ on CVM TV from Asylum Night club as Dancehall’s first computerised sound, Epik International, it was aired the Saturday in the intermission of Boys & Girls Champs, where Bolt announced himself as the future of athletics. I was a celebrity by Monday morning.

How would you describe your DJ style or sound?

Innovative, Creative, Story telling and everything I stand for, Entertaining People Increasing Knowledge #EPIK

What’s your go-to song or riddim that always gets the crowd moving?

Something out of the dub box as a song or a remix, I make and for riddims showtime, bam bam, and Diwali does not fail

You’ve played in a lot of places—what’s been your most unforgettable event or location so far?

The opening act on Sean Paul tour in terms of events and location Pereira, Colombia was memorable.

How do you prepare for a set—especially when playing for a diverse Caribbean crowd?

85 percent of my work is done before I even walk into a venue, I am forever organising, listening to, and curating music.

What do you think separates a good DJ from a great DJ?

A good DJ plays what the people want, a GREAT DJ gives them something they did not even know they needed until it was delivered.

You’re not just a DJ, you’re also a producer—how did that transition happen?

Naturally, I am a poet, songwriter, from rewriting dubs for my sound, doing mixtapes for artists, I was encouraged from school days to start producing, then it happened with the infamous ‘Let out the Donkey’ Diss Spice recorded that created that viral moment at Sting.

What was your first major production or collaboration, and how did it come together?

That really depends Let out the Donkey still considered one of the best diss songs by a lot of critics, however Meck it Clap remix with Xyclone & Konshens was my first independently released Million streaming song, Cool it by Spice is what I am known for, however the remix with Konshens was orchestrated by Xyclone, Spragga Benz and some parts actually recorded on my iPhone in my living room.

Do you have a specific process when creating?

EPIK vibes, always prepared to execute an idea in my mind or develop a new one.

How do you balance producing music that fits current trends with maintaining your originality?

I don’t try to fit current trends, I listen to so much music, and I am always hearing sounds round me in this world, I aim to create things that evoke emotions, movements or feel right and then let the world do its thing.

Which artists have you enjoyed working with the most and why?

Xyclone, creatively challenge each other a lot and willing to take music to places where its never been before and we have seen most continents with the music we created.

You also consult—what does that side of your work involve?

Well some of the biggest concepts, events, brands that people consume, enjoy involve EPIK in the ideology, execution, maintenance process. I have a Global MBA and lets say I globally help maximise people, brands and companies success.

How important is branding and image for DJs and producers in today’s music scene?

Brands are vessels of data, our stories, journeys, images, value, relevance, and equity something I learned from my Professor Jonathan Wilson. I believe brands go beyond logos, it suppose to hold emotional value. In my case, Entertaining People Increasing Knowledge guides everything I do its a movement.

What’s one common mistake you see up-and-coming creatives making and how or what can they do to change it?

Constantly trying to fit in and not being true to who they are. Change it by finding yourself and being true to what you are, believe and desire.

Do you think DJs today need to be entrepreneurs as well as artists?

No, they can just be DJs and surround themselves with professionals.

How do you stay relevant in an industry that’s constantly shifting?

By working towards being the best version of myself daily, the rest sorts itself out.

What does Caribbean music culture mean to you personally?

Unity, good vibes, expression and a lot of energy.

How do you see your role in promoting Caribbean music globally?

My experiences, inspiration are heavily influenced by my time growing up in the Caribbean and being around likewise people. I am a great story teller, documenter and I have a very creative mind so I would hope people appreciate my contribution.

Do you think the global music industry gives enough credit to Caribbean influences?

Well I heard a wise person say you get what you negotiate not what you deserve.

What changes would you like to see in the Caribbean entertainment scene?

More infrastructure that is tailor made for our stories, we need the museums, the venues for seminars, shows, arenas, film studios and academies.

Are there any new genres or hybrid sounds you’re excited about?

I love the Basshall movement, I love the variations of soca from different islands like Dennery, Bouyon, Jab, and the other elements.

What’s one song or artist currently on repeat for you?

Tamo J Alone

Who inspires you outside of music?

My 2 sons

What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to learn about you?

I don’t know the words to most songs

If you weren’t in music, what do you think you’d be doing?

I could have easily played cricket for the West Indies, written books, gone into sports punditry, or had my own TV show.

What’s your proudest moment so far in your career?

Releasing my own album

What can we expect next from Epik Jones in 2025 and beyond?

Still touring, promoting my album ‘Now That’s Epik’, new music, expanding my sound system in Jamaica, writing a book, preparing documentaries and establishing some projects my sons want to execute.

From pioneering moments in Jamaican nightlife to shaping international stages, Epik Jones has solidified himself as a cultural force who wears many hats: DJ, producer, consultant, entrepreneur, and visionary. His story is one of authenticity, evolution, and impact — never chasing trends but always creating timeless experiences. As he continues touring, promoting his album Now That’s Epik, expanding his sound system, and even venturing into books and documentaries, one thing is certain: Epik Jones is not just playing music, he’s writing history.

Contact/Socials

@Epikjones on all social media pages

Carnival Sunday Island Mas 2025

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CeeCee

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Infused All White Boat Party 2025

By

Sheldon

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DJ KIY Presents ELEMENTS pre-carnival experience 2025

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Nai

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DJ KIY Presents ELEMENTS pre-carnival experience 2025

CLICK FOR FULL GALLERY

Redman Delivers Scintillating Set at South Facing Fest, Crystal Palace

By

Epik Jones

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Redman Delivers Scintillating Set at South Facing Fest, Crystal Palace

South London witnessed a hip-hop masterclass as Redman stormed the stage at South Facing Festival, reminding everyone why his name is etched deep in rap history. With a catalogue spanning decades, the Newark MC brought his trademark humor, charisma, and relentless wordplay to Crystal Palace.

Lyricism and Energy on Full Display

Redman’s performance was a showcase of lyrical craftsmanship. Known for his multi-syllabic rhymes and witty punchlines, he dropped classics like “Da Rockwilder,” “React,” and “Diirty” with precision and style. Each verse was delivered with the same fire that made him one of Def Jam’s standout stars of the ’90s. The crowd ate up his energy, echoing every hook and bar back at him.

His stage chemistry with his DJ kept the set fluid and full of momentum. Every track felt like a celebration of hip-hop’s golden era, updated with Redman’s trademark stage antics and effortless crowd engagement.

The Weed Legacy Lives On

Of course, no Redman show would be complete without nods to his herbal legacy. His “How High” dedications connected with the “weed massive” in the crowd, creating moments of laughter and shared nostalgia. As one fan cheekily tweeted:

“Taking people’s weed at a Redman show really defeats the purpose… still, well done for booking such a good lineup — old school rap has to be never forgotten! ❤️”

Crowd Reaction

Fans were quick to praise the lineup, celebrating the fact that Redman stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow legends like Big Daddy Kane. While Busta Rhymes split opinion, Redman’s consistency and raw performance energy left no doubt about his place in the upper tier of live hip-hop performers.

One fan put it simply:

“Redman and Big Daddy Kane were so good last night.”

A Legacy Untouched

With his unique blend of humor, razor-sharp lyricism, and infectious energy, Redman showed why he continues to be one of hip-hop’s most beloved performers. His South Facing Fest set wasn’t just a trip down memory lane — it was proof that true MCing never ages.

Crystal Palace got the full Redman experience: gritty, witty, high-energy, and unforgettable.

Images and contribution by: Kingwest Production

Big Daddy Kane Rocks South Facing Festival in Crystal Palace, London!

By

Epik Jones

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Big Daddy Kane Rocks South Facing Festival in Crystal Palace, London!

Crystal Palace turned into a hip-hop history lesson and block party rolled into one as Big Daddy Kane proved why his name is etched among the greats. Performing with a DJ and dancer, Kane brought electrifying stage presence, a catalogue of hits, and freestyle mastery that showcased both his longevity and his unmatched ability to rock a crowd.

Even in his 50s, Kane was gliding across the stage, dropping moves that had the audience roaring. He mixed sharp choreography with quick-witted freestyles, seamlessly switching between classics and impromptu verses over a range of beats. More than just a performance, it was an interactive experience — with Kane commanding dance-offs, sparking call-and-response chants, and trading energy with a packed London audience.

Generations United

What made the night remarkable was the mix of fans. Hip-hop purists and rap connoisseurs stood shoulder to shoulder with Gen Z attendees brought up on TikTok snippets of Kane’s era. Despite the generational gap, everyone moved in unison. As one fan tweeted:

“Big Daddy Kane is AMAZING live!”

Another added, “Redman and Big Daddy Kane were so good last night”, while others compared his showmanship to legends of strength: “Big Daddy Kane. Mark Henry. Beast boy. Marmadamn.”

Words of a Pioneer

Beyond the performance, Kane dropped gems of wisdom. Reflecting on the evolution of freestyle, he explained:

“In the ’80s, when we said we wrote a freestyle rap, that meant that it was a rhyme you wrote that was free of style… basically a rhyme just bragging about yourself.”

It was a reminder of how much hip-hop has shifted — and how Kane helped define its foundation.

Fan Consensus

On social media, the verdict was clear. One fan declared, “Big Daddy Kane & Busta Rhymes smashed it,” while another insisted Kane’s set outshined his peers: “Busta Rhymes was alright but nowt special.”

No matter the comparisons, the universal takeaway was respect for Kane’s ability to merge history with the present. He turned Crystal Palace into a celebration of hip-hop’s roots while keeping it fresh for today’s crowd.

A Master Still at Work

Big Daddy Kane’s Crystal Palace set wasn’t just nostalgia — it was proof that true artistry doesn’t age. His precision, charisma, and crowd control left the London massive buzzing long after the lights dimmed. For hip-hop lovers of every generation, it was a reminder that Kane remains the epitome of MC mastery.

Images and contribution by: Kingwest Production

Busta Rhymes Closes South Facing Fest with Explosive Energy and AI Visuals

By

Epik Jones

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Busta Rhymes Closes South Facing Fest with Explosive Energy and AI Visuals

Crystal Palace’s South Facing Festival came to a thunderous close as Busta Rhymes, fresh from the announcement that he will receive the Hip Hop Icon Award in Harlem, delivered a high-octane set that blended hits, theatrics, and cultural tributes.

A Powerful Entrance

Bursting onto stage with M.O.P.’s “Ante Up” blaring through the speakers and longtime hype man Spliff Star at his side, Busta instantly set the tone. The crowd fed off the duo’s chemistry, their banter and antics sparking laughter and energy before the first verse even dropped.

Hit After Hit

The performance became a rapid-fire journey through Busta’s iconic catalogue — from “I Know What You Want” to “Break Ya Neck,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” “Touch It,” “Gimme Some More,” “What’s It Gonna Be,” and “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check.” The pace was relentless, with Spliff Star amplifying every hook and ad-lib as the crowd bounced to each track.

AI Visuals and Stage Shenanigans

Busta’s set stood out visually thanks to AI-generated backdrops, which became a talking point for fans online. One attendee remarked:

“Just watched Busta Rhymes at a festival. His backdrop visuals were all AI.”

Beyond the visuals, Busta brought theatre to the stage — mimicking microphone malfunctions during “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” before exploding back into full volume, and switching between whispers, normal delivery, and hyped-up rapid-fire flows that showed his vocal versatility.

Caribbean Connection

One of the most memorable moments came when Busta paused the “Look At Me Now” fast-rap segment to represent his Jamaican roots. Paying tribute to UK reggae legend Tippa Irie, he toasted over King Jammy’s iconic Sleng Teng riddim, earning massive reloads and pull-ups from the crowd in true dancehall style.

Fan Reaction

Reactions were mixed but passionate. Some fans felt Busta’s arena-sized style was better suited to a solo tour than a festival slot:

“Busta Rhymes needs a UK tour ASAP! Not festivals.”

Others loved the spectacle, with one summarizing the night as:

“South Facing Festival’s hip-hop lineup was UNFORGETTABLE! Busta Rhymes, Redman & Big Daddy Kane lit up Crystal Palace!”

Meanwhile, die-hard fans were already looking forward to new music:

“Busta Rhymes should still release the third installment of the Dragon Season and use it as a teaser for The Vengeance full album.”

The Festival Finale

Between the hits, AI visuals, comic shenanigans, and Caribbean homage, Busta Rhymes closed South Facing Fest with the exact mix of chaos and brilliance that has defined his career. For some, it was a glimpse into the future of live performance; for others, it was a reminder of why he belongs on his own UK headline tour.

Either way, his Crystal Palace set was a fitting finale to a festival that celebrated hip-hop’s past, present, and future.

Images and contribution by: Kingwest Production