Essence Festival

Lauryn Hill And Megan Thee Stallion Announced As 2023 Essence Festival Headliners

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Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion have been tapped to headline the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans. The pair will perform alongside artists like Monica, Wizkid, and Coco Jones. They are in good company, as previous headliners have been iconic artists like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, and Pharrell. Both Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion are iconic in their own right, so they should feel right at home among the previous headliners. It’s a cause for celebration for both artists, albeit for very different reasons.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a legendary debut album. It sold more than 10 million copies in the United States alone, earning it a diamond certification. Rolling Stone called it the best rap album ever. It also debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. For those who don’t follow Lauryn Hill, it may come as a bit of a surprise that she has never released another studio album. Professional and personal troubles led her to shy away from the limelight, but her debut album is still considered by many to be one of the best of all time. To commemorate the 25 years since its release, Hill will be performing the album in full at the festival.

Another Headlining Gig For Megan Thee Stallion

The announcement of Megan Thee Stallion as a headliner is another win for the artist, who has also been announced as a headliner for LA’s 2023 Pride In The Park Festival. In December, her trial against Tory Lanez wrapped up when he was found guilty of shooting her in 2020. The pair had been leaving a party at Kylie Jenner’s house when they got into an argument, which resulted in the shooting. So, although Megan hasn’t necessarily disappeared from the public eye, much of the news surrounding recently has been related to the Tory Lanez incident. Earlier today, Lanez filed for a retrial. If the previous verdict is upheld, he could be facing more than 20 years in prison; Megan, however, is moving forward with her life. In addition to her headlining gigs, she also announced recently that she is working on new music.

The Essence Festival began in 1995 and has since become a New Orleans staple. The list of esteemed artists that have been hosted at the festival since its inception is intimidating, with performances by everyone from Destiny’s Child to Aretha Franklin. The 2023 lineup is already shaping up to be a good one, but it seems that Essence has more even announcements to come. In an Instagram post announcing the headliners, they told followers to “keep [their] notifications on, as this is the FIRST of many announcements.” Will you be at the 2023 Essence Festival? Who do you hope to see join the roster? Let us know in the comments.

Ne-Yo and Jacquees Give R&B Singers Tips on How To Prepare for a Performance

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Ne Yo

Ne-yo and Jacquees both made their presence felt during Essence Festival weekend. Jacquees performed a number of fan-favorite hits at the McDonald’s stage as the crowd danced and sung along. Ne-Yo on the other hand took time off from his many appearances to stop by the festival and chop it up with everyone.

While discussing the last VERZUZ battle that brought Mario, Omarion, Ray J, Bobby Valentino, Sammie and Jeremih to the stage, Ne-Yo offered some tips for singers to get ready to perform. Although the VERZUZ was very “entertaining,” Ne-Yo says he’s unsure as to what exactly happened.

“Tea is a very, very, very large and important part of my singing career. I use green tea and honey. That normally works for me,” said the 3-time Grammy winner. That and pineapple juice.”

For Jacquees he adheres to Ne-Yo’s recommendation, but suggests his own methods as well.

“When it’s time (to perform) I like to take a hot shower, to get all the mucus out (of my system),” said the ATL crooner. “I drink throat coat with honey and lemon and chew gum to keep my voice on point. I’m always singing. Whether I’m humming, I always keep my voice ready. I don’t try to yell a lot too. Getting your rest as a singer is like the number one thing, so for all the singers make sure y’all get sleep.”

Both R&B singers are gearing up to drop an album this Summer.

Ne-Yo is set to drop his 8th studio album, Self-Explanatory on July 15th, while Jacquees is gearing up to release an album executive produced by Future.

“It’ll be a cool tutorial for you on what R&B is supposed to sound like,” says Ne-Yo about his album.

Jacquees is calling his project his best album so far as fans await a release date.

The post Ne-Yo and Jacquees Give R&B Singers Tips on How To Prepare for a Performance appeared first on The Source.

Jacquees’ Upcoming Album Will Be Executive Prod. By Future

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Jacquees Believes he Was Snubbed for BET Award Nomination

Jacquees reminded fans at Essence Festival why he’s the self-proclaimed King of R&B when he performed on Day 2 of Essence Fest on the McDonald’s state.

As fans watched the Georgia singer take over the stage, they sung along to a number of his hits songs including, “At the Club,” “My Peace,” “B.E.D,” “You” and more.

“I felt good because my fans showed up,” he says. I know the city of New Orleans loves me, but people travel from all over to come to Essence. The love they showed me got me ready to do more.”

The Cash Money crooner dropped his latest single, “Say Yeah” back in May in preparation for his 3rd album, which he announced he executive produced by Future.

“I got some crazy heavy hitters on the album. I can’t wait for everybody to hear it,” he says. “This is the best Jacquees. People always say, ‘this is my best album,’ but this is really my best album.”

As of now there is no release date, but the 28-year-old singer says the album is slated to drop this Summer.

Until then he plans to keep fans occupied with the release of “Say Yeah,” and some guest appearances. He recently collaborated with Enchanting for her latest release, “What I Want.”

Peep the “Say Yeah,” video below.

The post Jacquees’ Upcoming Album Will Be Executive Prod. By Future appeared first on The Source.

Patti LaBelle Brought G-Funk & a New Line of Breakfast Items To Essence Festival

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Patti LaBelle dazzled the Essence Festival audience with an unforgettable performing. Dripped in an all-red out, LaBelle took the stage to perform some of her classic hits including “When You Talk About Love,” “Love, Need and Want You and “If Only You Knew.”

One of the many highlights of the night came when LaBelle and her band broke into their rendition of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “The Next Episode.” In true Patti LaBelle fashion, she even kicked off her shoes and channeled her inner West Coast G-funk with a bounce.

“My song of life is California Love and so I love all that Hip-Hop stuff,” says LaBelle. I’m a balladeer. I love singing ballads and R&B songs, but some of that Hip-Hop stuff just gets in my soul and I had to put that in the show.”

The “New Attitude” legend ended her performance with her all-time fan favorite song, “Lady Marmalade.” She was joined on stage by the effervescent, Debbie Allen, who broke into a dance number that reminded everyone of why she is a legend in her own right. At the end of the day, two legend women were enjoying their time together on stage.

In addition to her performance, LaBelle introduced some new additions to her line of “Patti’s Good Life” food items. Inspired by her grandchildren who love breakfast, LaBelle’s new offerings will include frozen mini pancakes, mini pancake sandwiches stuffed with PB&J or chocolate hazelnut.

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