Doug E. Fresh made a surprise appearance at the Floyd Mayweather/Conor McGregor New York City press tour Thursday night, and people are really, really confused.
As the progenitor of beatboxing, Doug E. Fresh is one of the most influential artists in hip-hop. He reached peak popularity in the mid-1980s with hits like “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.”
But of course, many of the younger viewers who tuned in to the pre-fight festivities don’t know that, which is why they were confused when the MC emerged as if from 1985 in a time machine to interrupt the McGregor/Mayweather press conference. According to Independent, the press conference was already running two hours late because Mayweather reportedly had not yet shown up. Understandably, fans were disgruntled, and Doug E. Fresh’s appearance didn’t help.
The MC took the stage to hype up the crowd while they waited for Mayweather to come out. His 10-minute rap didn’t sit well with the audience. Here are some of their reactions:
What the fuck is Doug E. Fresh doing? This is painful.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) July 14, 2017
A two hour delay, burying Doug E. Fresh, Conor going racial, Floyd being a misogynist. What a shit presser
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) July 14, 2017
How on Earth is Doug E Fresh Trending?! I thought he died when I saw it because I haven't heard the name in so long it was scary.
— Crispy Gin (@CrispyGin_CGE13) July 14, 2017
This is so strange. Doug E. Fresh is here shouting every part of NYC while "September" plays. We've seen it all now.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 14, 2017
Doug E. Fresh gets introduced and immediately booed.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) July 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jetsallday17x/status/885652892509777920
Doug E Fresh currently at the Barclays #MayMacWordTour pic.twitter.com/kStUKYp6R9
— DeadstockNYC (@DeadstockNYC) July 14, 2017
Doug E. Fresh was met with boos as soon as he stepped on stage. Luckily, some faithful fans defended his honor on Twitter.
If you are booing Doug E. Fresh, don't refer to yourself as a hip hop fan. Sincerely, #TheCulture #Barclays
— LEEvel ? (@WillDynamiteLee) July 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/TooDeepNot2Deep/status/885661655052546049
You uncultured beasts need to stop disrespecting Doug E Fresh. Man a legend. He don't need a career resurgence.
— Hollywood Huego (@ScottHuego) July 14, 2017
But among all the confusion, there’s a possible explanation for Doug E. Fresh’s appearance. The rapper seems to be friends with Floyd Mayweather. In February of this year, he performed at Mayweather’s 40th birthday gala. Watch video footage of that here.
This New York conference is the second-to-last leg of the Mayweather/McGregor press tour, says Independent. The athletes will make their final appearance in London on Friday. The actual fight is scheduled for August 26 and will be streamed on Showtime via pay-per-view.