Photos + Review by David Molnar – The energy at The Big E Arena in West Springfield, Massachusetts was off the charts for night two of the 17-day run of New England’s Great State Fair. Even though it was a cool September evening, the arena was jam-packed and the crowd buzzing with anticipation of the heat coming to the main stage with Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross, two rapper’s from Rap’s golden era.
Rick Ross walked onto the main stage wearing a black and white Nike Air jumpsuit, sporting a large silver lion medallion around his neck. Ross opened the evening strong with songs like “9 Piece” and “Hustle Hard” and gave the people what they wanted with a crowd-favorite, “Aston Martin Music.” In a signature Ross move, at the end of his set, he handed a bottle of Luc Belaire Luxe Rosé to the pit security with instructions to pass it to an energetic female fan in the front row, a touching moment that underscored the give-and-take between the artist and his audience.
Then came Busta Rhymes’ set, celebrating a 35-year legacy in the music industry and Rap community. Rhymes took the stage flanked by fellow rapper Spliff Star. DJ Scratchator was positioned on a smaller elevated stage at the rear of the main stage delivering the samples and the beats. Rhymes was dressed in a multicolored quilted Casablanca Paris jacket, featuring a rodeo cowboy riding a bucking bronco on the garment’s back. Busta’s bling also stood out, a large silver cross ring on one hand and an even larger dragon ring on the other, all glittering in the stage lights.
Rhymes, who has Grammy nominations for God Forgives, I Don’t (2012) and The Port of Miami 2 (2019), brought his full arsenal of hits. He ripped through “Scenario,” “Break Ya Neck” and “Touch It,” among others. During the set, he paused to thank and praise musical superstar Mariah Carey, his longtime friend and whom he has collaborated with in the past. Carey’s face flashed across both of the main stages’ large video screens, while Rhymes referenced her recent honor. Carey recently accepted the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards’ Video Vanguard Award.
Also fresh from the VMAs, Rhymes was himself honored at that 2025 ceremony. Busta received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions and enduring influence. During his fair concert, he echoed that sense of gratitude, declaring “Ya’ll don’t bring us out enough!” to a roaring crowd and adding “God is the greatest! We are part of the greatest energy in existence. That is His! Period! Period! Period!” Busta yelled. It was more than just a rap concert, it was a celebration of legacy, hip-hop’s golden era, and the deeply personal bond between the artists and their fans.
RICK ROSS
SPLIFF STAR
