Busta Rhymes Brought a Ton of Stars to Newark’s Prudential Center

Busta Rhymes brought along some of his famous friends to Newark’s Prudential Center Saturday night (Dec. 5) to commend his long career in the rap game. Busta and Hot 97's Hot For The Holidays concert, which was presented by Footaction, was one for the books.

The NYC ryhmer didn’t hesitate to show his emotion throughout the night. Starting with some of his classics alongside long time hype man Spliff Star. “This is a proud moment for me!” Busta shouted to the crowd. Sean Paul was first of the line up. He gave the crowd his long standing favorites like "Gimme The Light" and "I’m Still In Love With You." But it wasn’t long until the man of the hour returned, this time dressed in red leather. Busta would prove to be a gracious host thanking Sean Paul—and all of his other friends that night—before reclaiming the stage to perform "Woo Ha!! (Got You All In Check)." The reggae theme was continued by Junior Reid, bringing a harder and even more authentic reggae vibe. When thanking Reid, Busta broke out the patois recalling how Reid served as mentor early in his career.

Always known as immense stage presence, Busta broke out one of his more mellow hits "I Know What You Want." The ladies in the attendance took over singing the chorus word for word and came alive when Mariah Carey graced the stage to sing her part. A stage that had been hype all night seemed to slow down as Carey served with vocals. The crowd responded with admiration, but things got a little awkward when Busta tried to explain Carey’s now infamous sub par 2014 Rockefeller Center Christmas performance. The reason; the flu. Nonetheless the show went back to a gritty atmosphere when French Montana, O.T. Genasis and N.O.R.E joined the stage.

Busta’s continuous dialogue with the crowd served as a constant reminder of his deep roots in hip hop, especially that golden 90’s era. Raekwon The Chef repped that era proudly ushering in a mini Wu-Tang set alongside Method Man. "C.R.E.A.M.," "Ice Cream," and "Method Man." Redman performed "Da Rockwilder" alongside his How High mate Meth.

The Method Man had the honor of introducing another legend in Mary J. Blige, performing their love song classic "You’re All I Need" for the Prudential Center before Blige rocked out with some of her solo classics. “Yall Ain’t Ready!” she yelled right before the Queen Bee Lil Kim joined her for "I Can Love You."

Jersey got it’s own moment to shine even further when Naughty By Nature followed by Fetty Wap took over. Busta acknowledged the "Trap Queen" crooner’s status as one of the leaders of the new school. The stars of today took over with Jeremih, French Montana (again) plus Rick Ross and Lil Wayne headlining. Weezy’s set seemed to end too soon adding a needed shot of excitement to the show.

Jadakiss served as a perfect segway to a Bad Boy and the Family reunion. While Wayne’s appearance was a jolt to the system, Diddy’s was a full blast. "It's All About the Benjamins" had the crowd rapping word for word. ”If it’s murder you know she wrote it,” Kim rapped. This set was the longest point during the show that Busta was absent from the stage, but he made a triumphant return joining Diddy for "Victory."

As the show wound down, it was only fitting Busta take it back to his origins by bringing out Tribe Called Quest for "Scenario." Busta’s longevity in the game shined as he was able to rock the crowd with hits from past to present such as "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" and "Look at Me Now."

At the end, Busta addressed the crowd once more, even bursting into tears. If hip-hop had a hall of fame, Busta would be first ballot. The show highlighted his achievements, which only seem obvious when all lined up back to back on stage.—Don Garvin