Deaundre Barnes
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture descends upon New Orleans, Louisiana, featuring performances by Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. This year's festival promises to deliver unparalleled daytime experiences. From special celebrations honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop to the introduction of Beautycon, AFROPUNK, and ESSENCE, attendees can expect an extraordinary showcase of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture will take over the entire Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, providing ample space for many extraordinary experiences. Among the highlights is a special celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, paying homage to the genre’s rich history and influential artists.
New Daytime Experiences & Amplifying Black Businesses
This year, the ESSENCE Festival will introduce three new daytime experiences that are sure to captivate attendees. Beautycon, AFROPUNK, and ESSENCE will offer unique and immersive environments, showcasing the intersection of beauty, fashion, music, and culture.
Additionally, Soko NO.LA powered by ESSENCE will feature a curated selection of Black-owned retail and food vendors, shining a spotlight on over 50 local black businesses and celebrating their contributions to the community.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture goes beyond entertainment and embraces important discussions surrounding equity and opportunity for Black Americans and communities nationwide. The Global Black Economic Forum will host esteemed guests, including TV host Sherri Shepherd, civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton, Abbot Elementary stars Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams, as well as official members from the Biden-Harris Administration.
Together, they will explore ongoing efforts to advance economic empowerment and uplift black communities.
Star-Studded Performances & Added Musical Guests
No ESSENCE Festival would be complete without electrifying musical performances, and this year’s lineup does not disappoint. Superstars such as Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Megan Thee Stallion are set to grace the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that showcase their immense talent and artistry.
Recently added to the lineup are the incomparable Janelle Monae and legendary artist Juvenile, adding even more excitement and anticipation to the festival.
Updated by Dré Barnes on June 29th, 2023
T.I. Set To Honor Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary At ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
T.I. is gearing up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture. In New Orleans from June 29 to July 3, the festival’s evening concert series will showcase a lineup of prominent hip-hop artists. The Atlanta rapper will be part of a special performance curated by producer Jermaine Dupri, representing his city and paying homage to the genre that has shaped his career.
T.I. has been invited to participate in the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, an event that holds significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The festival’s evening concert series will exclusively feature hip-hop headliners.
The Atlanta native will be involved in a special performance curated by producer Jermaine Dupri, who will also be honored at the festival. The “What You Know” rapper recognizing Dupri as a pioneer of Southern hip-hop and culture, expressed his enthusiasm for representing his city and contributing to celebrating hip-hop’s milestone anniversary.
Honoring Hip-Hop’s Anniversary & Trap Music
As the official birthday of hip-hop is recognized as August 11, 1973, T.I. acknowledges this important milestone for the genre. In addition, he highlights the significance of this year for trap music, a subgenre of hip-hop that he has been closely associated with.
As a co-founder of the Trap Music Museum in Atlanta, T.I. is actively organizing events centered around trap music. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is an opportune platform for T.I. to celebrate hip-hop’s anniversary and highlight the impact of trap music.
Lineup & Excitement
With the Essence Festival of Culture just around the corner, T.I. joins a prestigious lineup of artists who are coming together to honor hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Alongside the King artist, other notable performers include Salt-N-Pepa, Ari Lennox, Lauryn Hill, and Megan Thee Stallion, who will be headlining the festival.
Updated By: Dorian Waller (6/23/23 at 4:19 pm)
Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Eve, Salt-N- Pepa & More Added To ESSENCE Festival Lineup For Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is set to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with a star-studded lineup featuring Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Eve, Salt-N-Pepa, and more. Headlined by Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion, the festival will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture‘s Star-Studded Lineup
The festival promises a multi-generational experience highlighting culture, equity, and celebration. It extends Essence’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that benefit and contribute to local black-owned businesses.
The festival’s lineup includes classic hip-hop acts like E-40, Ice Cube, DJ Quik, Lady of Rage, and Ice-T. R&B acts such as Jagged Edge and Tems will also perform. The festival will take place from June 29 to July 3.
So So Def’s Jermaine Dupri To Be Honored
The 50th-anniversary celebration of hip-hop will also honor some of the most influential figures in the industry, including legendary producer Jermaine Dupri. The music mogul has significantly impacted hip-hop with his contributions to artists such as Kris Kross, Da Brat, Xscape, and Bow Wow.
The festival will honor him for his work in shaping the culture and sound of hip-hop over the past few decades.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is one of the most anticipated festivals in the country, and this year’s lineup is a testament to its reputation. With headliners like Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion and classic hip-hop acts like Salt & Pepa and Ice Cube, the festival promises to be a memorable experience.
Mary J. Blige’s “Strength Of A Woman” Festival & Summit
R&B icon Mary J. Blige is also set to host her second annual “Strength Of a Woman” festival and summit, featuring performances by female artists and empowering women with workshops, panels, and other events.
Originally Written By: Dorian Waller
