There are few events in life that are more deflating than having an audience not reciprocate your energy or message. Whether you're presenting or performing a speech or a presentation, or in Ma$e's case as a professional rapper—performing live rap to an expected crowd of thousands—if the people you're trying to connect to aren't showing the love back, it's a real kick in the nuts.
Earlier tonight in London, Ma$e got metaphorically kicked in the nuts, but not by the concert-goers who showed out to the Indigo at the O2, but by all the people who decided to not go. Ma$e was originally on the bill with fellow New Yorkers Fat Joe and Foxy Brown, but Joe wasn't able to get in the country, and Brown pulled out. With two-thirds of the concert effectively canceled, Ma$e was left to perform to less than 50 people in a venue that has a capacity of 2,350. Unfortunately for Ma$e, what should've been a dope display of classic New York rap in London basically became another sound check.
Ben Anderson was one of the few dozens in attendance. The photos and thoughts he shared on Twitter were just plain sad.
UPDATE: 9.50pm at the @MasonBetha gig in London. DJ still going strong. No sign of Mase pic.twitter.com/2CL8bPBoNh
— Ben Anderson (@IAmBenAnderson) November 3, 2014
Never before have I been to a concert and sat there updating my LinkedIn profile
— Ben Anderson (@IAmBenAnderson) November 3, 2014
To Ma$e's credit, he kept it cool and performed—no tantrums or beef with the promoters (publicly, at least). The people who showed up (assuming they were big Ma$e fans and that's why they came anyway) got an intimate show for their $63 tickets.
I got lonely on the balcony. Came down to enjoy it with the crowds. @MasonBetha said "let's party" pic.twitter.com/Q1v7KP1kiC
— Ben Anderson (@IAmBenAnderson) November 3, 2014
The show going on, however, didn't stop Foxy Brown from taking shots at Ma$e's under whelming crowd. She didn't mention why she bailed on performing though.
😩GOD don't like ugly Pastor Mase!
A photo posted by BROOKLYN💎بروكلين (@badgyalfox) on Nov 11, 2014 at 3:51pm PST
[via Fact Mag]