Rapper turned funnyman T.I. faced a tough crowd in Brooklyn this weekend after a video clip that has since been circling social media shows the aspiring comedian being booed by a crowd at the famous Barclays Center.
The “Whatever You Like” emcee was in town as part of an event thrown Saturday night, April 9, by April Fools Comedy Jam which also featured several comedians, including Rip Micheals, Nick Cannon, HaHa Davis, Eddie Griffin, B. Simone, Tony Roberts, Bruce Bruce, Michael Blackson, Joe Torry, and Jacob Williams, with performances by Brooklyn native Lil’ Kim, Moneybagg Yo, the “Live Your Life” emcee and music by DJ Envy.
However, when the 41-year-old entertainer took the stage, fans were treated to a comedy set and not the trap genre-inspired hits they might’ve expected. In various clips that have since gone viral, audience members could be heard booing throughout his performance.
It wasn’t long before the Atlanta-based emcee logged onto social media to set the record straight about the incident. During a discussion on Instagram Live with comedy veteran Michael Blackson following the onstage appearance.
The rapper admitted that he enjoyed being booed, telling Blackson, “I loved it! I didn’t feel like they were booing me like that. I felt like they were booing me like, ‘I dare you to be more funny, I dare you to be more funny, I dare you to be better.”
Fans in the comment section of various threads where the clip was shared noted how even the veteran comedian couldn’t hide his expressions during T.I.’s odd explanation, including one user who wrote, “Michael Blackson face when he’s explaining is sending me.” Another critic stated that the rapper’s side of the story is similar to “When you tryna explain how you ain’t lose the fight after everybody literally seen you get beat up.”
However, some users offered their support to the entertainer, including former reality star turned actress Tamir Roman who wrote, “Comedy is a hard job,” before recalling her own experience making the transition into the industry. “I used to get the bubble guts before every show when I did it,” she added, “so much respect for their craft cuz it ain’t easy.”
Still, the multitalented star seems hopeful to make his someday make his big break, telling Blackson, “I don’t care what they show. I ain’t seeking nobody’s validation. I’m not here for nobody else’s approval. I don’t give a damn.
