Singer Sparks Concern by Performing with Oxygen Tank at Juice WRLD Day

Social media star and singer Dave Blunts took the spotlight at the 4th Juice WRLD Day with a performance that resonated beyond the music. Appearing on stage with visible health aids, his presence sparked mixed reactions from netizens at the event, which honors the legacy of the late rapper Juice WRLD.

At the United Center in Chicago, Blunts took the stage in his signature purple sweatpants and shirt, delivering a high-energy performance with his own track, “Crying in the Kitchen.”

Seated throughout his set, Blunts engaged with the crowd, holding the microphone while his partner, Izza, stood nearby in support.

The social media personality joined a star-studded lineup at the event, performing alongside artists like Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Polo G, and Trippie Redd.

Blunts later shared photos from the event in a now-deleted Instagram post In the caption, he wrote, “Me and the love of my life on that stage f*** whoever hate we doing great  @isabellabousaab.”

Prior to his performance, Blunts shared a candid Facebook post about the challenges he faced leading up to the event. He revealed that after learning he would perform, he visited the doctor for a routine checkup but was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital for further treatment.

Despite the setback, Blunts remained determined. “nothing will stop me from performing at juice wrld day the show must go on!! [sic]” he declared.

While in the hospital, Blunts brought his studio equipment, joking, “the grind never stops lmaoooo.” He reassured fans that doctors had cleared him to perform, calling the issue “nothing too serious.”

While his words and performance reflected confidence, the post sparked a wave of reactions, with some praising his resilience and others voicing concern for his health. One critic commented, “People paid to watch this? Todays ‘HipHop’ is trash [sic].” Another remarked, “Rapping on stage with your oxygen is wild.”

Others expressed sorrow and discomfort watching Blunts perform in such a vulnerable state. One person wrote, “I mean this in all seriousness, this probably one of the saddest thing I’ve ever seen.  [sic].” Another chimed in, “It’s honestly tragic to watch. I hope his health improves.”

More netizens expressed concern and criticism over Blunts’ performance. Some offered encouragement, with one hoping he would find the strength to overcome his challenges, and another emphasizing the value of his music, wishing to see him thrive for years to come.

Others questioned the circumstances surrounding the event, with one fan criticizing the decision to let him perform in his condition and another calling on his management team to prioritize his health and well-being.

Despite the criticisms, some fans praised Blunts for his determination and commitment to the event. “Respect. This shows true dedication to the fans and Juice’s legacy ,” one user shared.

This dedication is further exemplified in Blunts’ creative process, as showcased in an April 2024 TikTok video where he shared the literal backstory of his song “Hospital Bed.”

The clip revealed his makeshift recording setup on a bedside table, complete with an audio interface and microphone. Blunts created the video in response to a fan’s disbelief, showcasing the unique circumstances behind his artistry.

Blunts also gave viewers a glimpse of his medical surroundings, including an IV stand and a heart monitor, with a loud beeping of a machine audible in the background.

Blunts has become a viral sensation, known for his catchy songs packed with outrageous lyrics and an unfiltered personality. In a July interview with Complex, Blunts shared his journey, marked by setbacks, perseverance, and his unexpected use of TikTok as a launchpad to success.

Blunts’ music career began humbly in 2018, recording songs on his phone. Encouraged by a friend who saw potential in his music, he upgraded to a proper setup but hit a roadblock when his collaborator became unavailable.

The disruption led to a six-month hiatus, during which Blunts battled depression. Motivated to regain control of his music, he taught himself how to mix and record through a five-minute YouTube tutorial. This DIY approach became a defining characteristic of his career.

“So I went and bought all the equipment the next day and I’ve been recording myself ever since,” Blunts shared.

Blunts had been pursuing music for six years, facing setbacks along the way, before finally finding success through TikTok. In late 2023, frustrated by his lack of progress, he deleted all of his previous releases. However, encouragement from fans motivated him to give his career one last shot.

Reluctantly, Blunts turned to TikTok—a platform he had initially dismissed as “cringe.” Instead of following trends, he embraced authenticity, posting casual videos of himself listening to his music and sipping drinks. To his surprise, his content quickly gained traction, proving the success of his unique strategy.

“A week of consistently posting. Actually not even a full seven-day week. Probably just five days, from Monday to Friday,” Blunts explained.

While his TikTok fame seemed sudden, it was the result of years of persistence. Now, as he builds on his newfound fame, Blunts continues to prove that perseverance and staying true to oneself can transform even the toughest setbacks into a springboard for success.

Despite the netizens’ mixed reactions, Blunts seemed to enjoy the moment, smiling at the crowd and embracing the opportunity to perform in honor of Juice WRLD‘s memory.