This year, the entire music community is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Since its inception 1973, hip-hop has become a prominent genre of music. It has also had a huge cultural influence on the United States and the world as a whole. In recent years, hip-hop is becoming even more mainstream. The Billboard Top 200 is full of hip hop tracks instead of pop and rock songs, like in previous years. This summer, there will be many events held around the world to commemorate this important 50th anniversary milestone.
One of these events is the Essence Festival, which is taking place from June 29th – July 3rd. The theme of the festival this year is a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Essence Magazine is a lifestyle publication which covers fashion, beauty, entertainment and culture. The Essence Festival is held annually and has occurred since 1995 in New Orleans and has featured some of music’s biggest artists.
The 2023 Essence Festival will be one of the biggest yet! This year, the festival will honor the genre of hip-hop. It will showcase how hip-hop has affected every aspect of United States culture, including fashion, food and music.
Essence Festival Lineup
The lineup for this year’s festival includes some of the greatest artists in hip-hop, specifically female artists who have had a huge impact on the genre. The headliners will be Ms. Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion. Ms. Lauryn Hill will perform her five time Grammy Award Winning Album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, to honor the record’s 25th anniversary. Other artists that will be performing at the festival are Wizkid, Monica, and Coco Jones.
More Essence Festival Activities
The Essence Festival will be a celebration of culture and community. This year, there will be multi-generational conversations, art and performances that honor the genre of hip-hop. It will also include vendors from many local black-owned businesses.
“This year, we are excited to have everyone join us in celebrating 50 years of musical excellence, experiencing our diverse daytime and nighttime offerings, and in highlighting the importance of Black economic inclusion.”
Hakeem Holmes, vice President of Essence Festival of Culture
Ticket Information
This year, Essence Festival will be offering both virtual and in person tickets. The in person performances will take place at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. General admission tickets are available, as well as different VIP tickets that can also be purchased. There are also multiple after parties that guests can attend, including the Afropunk Krewe Ball and Girls United Kickback.
Get Tickets to the 2023 Essence Festival Here
