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.

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.

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