So you didn't make it to New Orleans for Essence Music Festival this year? Don't worry. We've got you covered with exclusive access, interviews and more from backstage at this venerable celebration of Black women and Black culture.
GRAMMY-nominated songstress Ledisi sat down with us to talk about the state of R&B and what Essence Fest means to her.
We caught up Miguel fresh off the Essence Festival mainstage to ask the GRAMMY winner about his latest album War & Leisure, connecting his music with his Latin roots, and his “self-care” routine on the road. Read all about it in our exclusive interview.
GRAMMY winner Mary J. Blige owns the mainstage on Saturday night of Essence Festival.
Rising R&B star H.E.R. chatted with GRAMMY.com for an exclusive interview about her mysterious image, breakout BET Awards performance, the value of musicianship, and what's coming up musically.
Photo: Josh Brasted/Getty Images
GRAMMY winners Jill Scott and Erykah Badu brought the party Friday night at Essence, performing on the mainstage with The Roots.
If you haven't checked out R&B upstarts June's Diary, it's time to get with the program. The group stopped by backstage for a quick picture, and we included them in our list of 7 Female R&B Acts You Need To Know.
The Queen was holding court on Saturday night at Essence Fest. Multi-talented rapper/singer/actress Queen Latifah brought some "U.N.I.T.Y." to the Essence stage, performing with a lineup of special guests while bringing the house down.
Brandy joined Queen La on stage for to sing some of her biggest hits, including the GRAMMY-winnin "The Boy Is Mine."
Mr. Music himself, GRAMMY-nominated artist Mali Music was in attendance yet again at this year's Essence Fest. We caught up with the multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer to chat about the the state of music, Essence festival and more.
SWV - also known as Sisters With Voices - were in the house on Sunday, and stopped by for a quick conversation and photo op. .
The fiercely independent and strikingly versatile singer/songwriter, producer and actress Ashanti joined us backstage for an exclusive interiew.
R&B artist Omar Wilson stopped by to say hello backstage at Essence and struck a quick pose for our cameras.
Amina Buddafly from "Love & Hip-Hop: New York" also came through to see us backstage. The starlet also dropped a new EP, Music In My Room, earlier this year.
GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter and producer Tank stopped by for an interview with GRAMMY.com and flashed a big smile for our camera.
Power soul trio The Shindellas delivered one of the most electrifying sets of the weekend with Louis York, and we caught a quick look at them backstage and asked them about their Essence experience.
And speaking of Louis York, we also talked to the New York-bred duo of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony.
GRAMMY-winning producer Teddy Riley and the magnetic Keith Sweat also came through to say hello and chat with us about all things R&B, Essence, and more.
