Essence Music Festival Tickets

Kanye West, Chris Rock, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time, and Maze with Frankie Beverly will headline the Essence Music Festival this year July 4th through the 6th in New Orleans.

The top hip hop and R&B festival in the country highlighting African-American culture, the event will feature more than just performers - it involves empowerment seminars and celebrations during the day, followed by performances from some of the top names in hip hop at night.

On Friday, July 4th, Keyshia Cole, Rihanna, Chris Brown and Kanye West will perform. On Saturday the 5th, LL Cool J, Musiq and Jill Scott will take the stage. The final evening of the festival will feature Morris Day and the Time, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock and Maze with Frankie Beverly.

All three nights a superlounge will also be available, featuring incredible talents such as Grandmaster Flash, Funky Meters, Nicolas Payton and Terence Blanchard.

Things will be just exciting at the festival during the day. On July 4th, Tyler Perry and Friends will be featured, including episode premieres from his "House of Payne" television show, in addition to talks from the cast. Fridays theme is "Reclaiming the Dream, which includes talks from Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, as well as speeches on education, community, relationships and AIDS throughout the world. Sunday will feature an "Afternoon of Praise, Worship & Inspiration," including words of inspiration and musical performances and celebrations.

The festival began in 1995 as a one-time festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine and has since turned into one of the most inspirational and entertaining events of the summer. Over the years, performers have included Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Prince, The Isley Brothers and Yolanda Adams, among many more.