During the Juice WRLD Day 2024 event on November 30, emerging rapper Dave Blunts drew attention with a performance while connected to an oxygen tank.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their bewilderment at the sight. Blunt's performance included several of his tracks, but his reliance on the oxygen tank became the talk of the town.
"People paid to watch this? Todays "HipHop" is trash," one user wrote.
"PRAYERS NEEDED, THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND: Rapper Dave Blunts recently performed on stage with an OXYGEN TANK at Juice WRLD day," Another tweeted.
"He needs help. This s*it is sad man," someone added.
Held in Chicago, Juice WRLD Day is an annual tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Juice WRLD, who passed away in 2019.
Meanwhile, Dave Blunt's performance drew a mix of sarcastic and comedic remarks, with users highlighting the unexpectedness of the act.
"Man I can't wait to see him doing this when he's 60," some user wrote.
"This is wild," another user reacted.
"I’m curious at this point what can he do?" a fan asked.
The significance of Juice WRLD Day
Juice WRLD Day, organized annually since 2020, celebrates the life and music of the influential rapper, known for hits like Lucid Dreams and Legends. The event aims to keep his legacy alive and provide a platform for artists who share his style and ethos.
This year’s lineup included performances from other artists within the emo-rap and trap genres, with Dave Blunts' set being one of the most talked-about moments.
In 2021, it featured an orchestra playing Juice's biggest hits, and segments from the HBO documentary Into the Abyss were screened. Juice's mother, Carmela Wallace, also uses the occasion to promote mental health awareness through the Live Free 999 Foundation, reflecting her son's openness about his struggles with addiction and mental health.
Meanwhile, Blunts' rise to fame wasn't immediate; after years of struggling, he went viral on TikTok and gained attention from major artists like Lil Yachty and SZA. He emphasizes staying true to oneself, stating in an interview with Complex on July 31:
"You don't have to try to be a gangster or become something that you're not... You can be yourself, and people will like that."
Dave Blunts, an emerging name in the cloud rap and emo-trap scene, has been gaining traction for his introspective lyrics and unique sound. His recent releases, including singles like Check On My N**s and 10 PERCS, have received positive feedback for their emotional depth and stylistic similarity to Juice WRLD.
Blunts is currently working on his next album, which is slated for release later this year.