
Missy Elliott
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Go Behind The Scenes Of ESSENCE Fest's 25th Anniversary: Party With A Purpose
ESSENCE Fest is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and its pulling all the stops at the New Orleans' Superdome to show out. This year's fest, appropriately titled Party With A Purpose, brought out the some of the most iconic names in music, politics and other aspects of black culture. Check out who stopped by backstage with the Recording Academy for exlusive interviews and more below.
GRAMMY winner PJ Morton stopped by to talk about his history-making performance. The singer/songwriter and musician is the first artist to have recorded a live album at the fest. He told the Recording Academy that for him it was a coming full-circle moment.
GRAMMY-nominated artist Rapsody sat down with us to talk about the influential musical lineage of Black women who inspired her new album, Eve. Find out how she hopes to keep the tradition alive in our exlusive interview.
BJ The Chicago Kid came to ESSENCE Fest on a mission: "Ya'll need to know how important this album is," he tells the Recording Academy about his new album 11/23, which comes out July 26. Find out who he was excited to collab with on his forthcoming album in our chat with him.
Missy Elliott celebrates the 20th anniversary of the GRAMMY-nominated Best Rap Album Da Real World and was inducted in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame last month by delivering a unforgettable main stage performance on Friday.
DaniLeigh stopped by the Recording Academy corner for a glamour shot. The artist was one of the performers of ESSENCE's After Dark performance series.
MAJOR. hung around backstage Friday night and stopped by for a snapshot.
GRAMMY nominated rap pioneer MC Lyte is a busy woman. She took a quick minute backstage at the 25th ESSENCE Fest this weekend to talk about her latest projects, including curating “Women In Hip-Hop” for the festival. Check out who it featured in our interview.
Sunday's main stage belonged to Mary J. Blige, who gave the Superdome crowd all the hits they could handle.
Angelica Vila brought her glowing vibe backstage at the Recording Academy photobooth.
We caught up with GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Elle Varner backstage at ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans, where she told us what she hopes fans take away from her new album.
Water Seed stepped into the room all smiles and good vibes.
Kenyan band Sauti Sol was in the house Friday night and stopped by the Recording Academy's corner backstage.
Saturday saw main stage headliner and GRAMMY winner H.E.R. deliver an electrifying set in an electric green outfit.
Singer Nicole Bus performed at one of the ESSENCE After Dark series and stopped by to say hello.
Yung Miami of rap duo City Girls came through backstage to chat with us about writing with her partner JT, collaborating with Cardi B, what ESSENCE means to her and more.
Mumu Fresh sat down with us backstage to talk how she began to rhyme, what she learned as a back-up singer from groups like the Roots, what she loves about ESSENCE Fest and more.
Afrobeats artist Ayoinmotion, who puts on a live performance that dares you to stay still, brought his music and energy to the 25th ESSENCE Festival and stopped by for an interview.
London's NAO first time at ESSENCE Fest included a chat with the Recording Academy. The singer felt right at home at the Party With A Purpose.
Rotimi's first time performing at ESSENCE Fest had him hyped during a chat with the Recording Academy.
Singer Lucky Daye came to ESSENCE Fest ready to light up the stage.
Jacquees caught us up on what he's working on and more. Expect his next album Round 2 soon.
Christian "King" Combs brought his legacy to the fest. The rapper spoke with the Recording Academy about his new Cyncerely EP out now.
GRAMMY-nominated sensual singer Ro James dropped by to talk his much-anticipated next album.
Rapper Bone Crusher had everyone laughing backstage.
Tanzanian musician Rayvanny came through back stage with a big smile.
The Party With A Purpose would not be the same without South African rapper Nasty C.
New York's very own emcee Oswin Benjamin was in the house as well.
Party With A Purpose: 5 Things To Get Excited For At ESSENCE Fest 2019