Rap Legend's Parade Performance Divides Fans
The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade delivered spectacular entertainment for millions of viewers, but one performance particularly captured attention for unexpected reasons. 90s rap icon Busta Rhymes took centre stage on the 'World of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chocolate Factory' float, sparking immediate discussion across social media platforms.
Performance Details and Immediate Reactions
The 53-year-old artist, whose real name is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr, performed alongside life-sized Ninja Turtles on a float decorated with vibrant graffiti and enormous pizza slices. As the procession moved through New York City streets, spectators quickly noticed something unusual about his delivery.
Viewers observed that Busta Rhymes appeared to struggle matching his vocals to the rapid pace of his own song, leading many to conclude he was lip-syncing. The performance, which should have showcased his legendary rapid-fire delivery, instead became the subject of intense online scrutiny.
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Responses
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their immediate reactions to the performance. One viewer commented: 'Busta Rhymes doing that one verse is funny enough but also lip syncing it for the parade is crazy.' Another added: 'Busta Rhymes can't even keep up with the lip sync at Macy's Parade.'
Not all responses were critical, however. Some fans expressed pure enjoyment at seeing the Brooklyn rapper participate in the traditional event. 'I really am so grateful for Busta Rhymes lip synching on a float with the Ninja Turtles… this is what I need in life,' wrote one enthusiastic supporter.
Another observer noted specific technical issues: 'Busta Rhymes just got caught lip synching, mic wasn't by his mouth for one of the lines.' This detail reinforced the growing consensus about the performance's authenticity.
Celebrating the Performance Despite Controversy
Despite the lip-syncing controversy, many viewers focused on the positive aspects of Busta Rhymes' appearance. 'Where were you when the Busta Rhymes and the Ninja Turtles collab dropped on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade,' one fan nostalgically posted.
Another supporter declared: 'Busta Rhymes: the official rapper of the holiday season,' while an excited viewer wrote: 'Busta Rhymes TMNT float back around - that was the best one so far.' The overall sentiment among many was that the collaboration itself was entertaining regardless of performance style.
Parade Highlights and Historical Context
This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featured 28 iconic floats and 34 balloons, including new additions like Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story and Nintendo's Super Mario. The event, which began in 1924 to promote Macy's newly-opened toy department, has grown into an American tradition attracting enormous crowds.
Busta Rhymes shared the spotlight with other notable performers including R&B singers Lil Jon, Teyana Taylor, Ciara, and Kool & the Gang. Additional entertainment came from Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, and performers from the Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters.
The first parade in 1924 saw Macy's employees marching through New York streets in vibrant costumes, accompanied by professional bands and floats pulled by horses. Live animals from Central Park Zoo, including elephants and camels, added to the spectacle that attracted 250,000 attendees, establishing what would become an enduring annual tradition.
