Busta Rhymes gets busted for lip-synching at…
Online critics are busting out their opinions.
During the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Busta Rhymes carried out while on the “World of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chocolate Factory” float designed by Nickelodeon and Paramount.
The iconic rapper and producer, 53, sang and danced along giant ninja turtles on the platform. However, viewers accused Rhymes, whose real title is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr., of lip-syncing.
Busta Rhymes is seen at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025. GC Images
“LOL-ing at Busta completely forgetting he recorded ad-libs for his lip sync in the Thanksgiving Day parade,” one social media person wrote on X.
“I really am so grateful for Busta Rhymes lip synching on a float with the Ninja Turtles… this is what I need in life,” another viewer shared.
“Busta Rhymes lip syncing was a bad call,” an unamused individual wrote on the app.
However, the bulk of the web liked the Grammy nominee’s efficiency.
“There is nothing more uniquely American than watching Busta Rhymes perform with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on a Thursday morning in November,” one person penned on X. “Happy Thanksgiving y’all.”
“This was actually just a Busta Rhymes concert interrupted by a parade,” tweeted another.
Rounding out the constructive remarks, a third fan wrote: “Busta rhymes singing break ya neck on the teenage mutant ninja turtle float…lil Jon signing [sic] turn down for what on the toys r us float…idk wtf is going on….give whoever is in charge of this parade a raise.”
Thursday marked the artist’s first time performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Busta Rhymes wears all white during the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.
Busta Rhymes performs a medley of his hits. NBC
Busta Rhymes sings and dances alongside real-life ninja turtles on the float. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
“WHEN I TELL YOU THAT THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP, WORDS CAN’T EVEN DESCRIBE HOW MUCH I REALLY MEAN IT!!!! I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HELPED TURN THIS DAY INTO SUCH A MAGICAL ONE WITH THE @macysTHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE AND EVERYONE INVOLVED THAT PARTICIPATED IN MAKING THIS MOMENT COME TO FRUITION!!!,” Rhymes gushed on Instagram alongside a clip from the second.
Along with Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon, the festivities also featured performances from Cynthia Erivo, Ciara, Mickey Guyton and Debbie Gibson.
This isn’t the first time performers have come under fire for lip-synching, but, it’s regular for them to do so during the Turkey Day parade.
Busta Rhymes waves to the gang below. GC Images
In 2018, after followers called out Rita Ora for lip-synching on her float at the parade, John Legend explained why.
“Fun fact. We all have to lip sync on this parade because the floats don’t have the capacity to handle the sound requirements for a live performance. Hope y’all enjoyed it anyway,” Legend shared on X at the time.
The hitmaker, 46, added, “Know that if you come to my shows, the vocals are 100% live!”
Busta Rhymes performs during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rehearsals in NYC on November 25, 2025. Getty Images
Lil Jon is seen attending the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC on November 27, 2025. GC Images
Legend also carried out on a float that yr.
Ora, 35, posted to her own social media, echoing her fellow performer’s sentiments.
“Fun fact @johnlegend thank you for clarifying what I was about to also tweet,” she wrote at the time. “It’s annoying for us but anyway! All my shows are 100 percent live always have been! When you come to a ORA show get ready! Back to holidays! Have a good one guys!”
Ciara during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Rita Ora attends the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 2018. Getty Images
John Legend attends the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. FilmMagic
The 99th parade was hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, who left “Today” last January.
And the gang was once again jam-packed.
One man told The Post he claimed a spot for himself and his household at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. He introduced along enjoying playing cards, tablets and scorching drinks to keep everybody busy.
“We are a few families. All the dads came earlier and the moms and children came later. The dads came earlier to get front row seats,” Eric said.
“It’s been our tradition for the last five years.”
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