Rakim, one of hip-hop’s most respected figures, faced an unexpected challenge during his performance at the Gathering of the Juggalos festival in Ohio. Known for his smooth flow and lyrical genius, the rap icon encountered hostility from a section of the crowd that marred his set earlier this month.
Footage that emerged on Monday (August 26) reveals the tension as Rakim was targeted by some fans who began hurling bottles at him while he was on stage. The rap legend, clearly frustrated, addressed the unruly behavior directly.
“Chill with the muthaf**king bottles, man,” Rakim sternly warned the crowd in the clip.
Despite the disruption, Rakim attempted to re-engage the audience, urging those who came to enjoy the show to make some noise. His plea, however, was met with a lukewarm reaction.
Determined to keep the energy positive, he continued, “I’m not tryna get hit with no f**king bottle, man. I love y’all, but I don’t wanna walk off stage while we having a good time, you know what I mean?”
Undeterred, the “God MC” pressed on with his performance, delivering a powerful rendition of his DJ Premier-produced classic, “It’s Been a Long Time.”
Rakim’s ability to maintain his composure and deliver a memorable set in the face of adversity is a testament to his status as a true hip-hop legend.
