ESSENCE FEST WEEKEND: Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Tank, 112, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Towanda & Traci Braxton & More CELEBRATE In New Orleans

Published

10 years ago

July 6, 2014

It’s the 20th anniversary of Essence Fest! And last night was surely one to go down in the history books. Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Ledisi and Tank hit the main stage. Michelle Williams, 112 and Marsha Ambrosius performed their sets at the Superlounge, while TheYBF.com caught up with Towanda and Trina Braxton, Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker and more when you go inside…

Jill Scott (above backstage before performing) rocked the house last night on the main stage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Ms. Jilly opened up for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. And of course, Jilly from Philly did not disappoint.

Showing off her snatched waist in glittery bell bottom trousers and fitted cut-out black blouse, she ran through a slew of her classics including “Golden,” The Way,” “He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)” and she hit her operatic high-notes like only she could.

Gorge.

Peep a clip of Jilly singing “The Way” below:

Before Jill Scott hit the stage…

Tank got the ladies all hot and bothered with his single “Sex Music” followed by his hit single, “Maybe I Deserve.” He asked the audience, “Can I take my clothes off y’all?” before serenading the ladies with “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Before leaving the stage, Tank passed along some words of wisdom to the fans saying, “God has someone for everyone and that we don’t have to rely on empty promises.”

New Orleans native Ledisi tore the house down belting out her hits “That Good Good”, “Pieces of Me” and “It’s Alright” and “I Blame You.”

Ledisi also ended her set schooling her fans saying, “Have faith, love yourself,” she said. “And be careful of who and what you allow in your circle.”

Then the headliner took the stage….

The Queen Of Hip Hop Soul stormed the stage like a hurricane in all white to open her set with her 2006 hit “Enough Crying.” The Grammy award winning songrtress ran through her catalog of tracks including “I’m Goin’ Down”, “Not Gon’ Cry”, “Share My World” and “Don’t Mind.”

Quick wardrobe change as she continued to rock the stage:

Before ending her set, she sent out a message to the fellas saying, “We expect you to have our backs and respect us. Most of all, we need to trust in you!” then closed her set with “Family Affair.”

Peep clips from her set below:

On the Superlounge stages:

Former Destiny’s member Michelle Williams performed her set at the Cover Girl Lounge. She’s gearing up for the release of her gospel album Journey to Freedom (scheduled to drop in September).

Atlanta R&B singing group 112 took the stage at the VERIZON lounge to run threw a few of their hits.

And Marsha Ambrosius took her talents to the FORD lounge. Peep a clip from her set below:

TheYBF.com caught up with fab “R&B Diva” KeKe Wyatt at the Convention Center:

We feelin’ her look?

She later switched up her look in a black and white ensemble to take the stage.

TheYBF.com also caught up with the gorgeous Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker (whose security was on them like white on rice for SOME reason) & Avant chillin’ in the Convention Center.

;

Beautiful couple.

Actress Alesha Reneé caught up with record exec Kevin Liles.

Trina Braxton, Towanda Braxton and Toya Wright met up with Tiny as she promoted her new tequila line, Tiny’s Tequila.

Toya Wright later hit up Kenny Burns’ all white affair with “RHOA” star Cynthia Baily. She captioned, “All White party with @cynthiabailey10 @shaymichellehair @sherrijlovely #goodtimes #essencefest2014 #NewOrleans”

Peep TheYBF.com’s chat with Braxton Sisters, Towanda and Traci:

Also, check out our Instagram page (@TheYBFDaily) for yesterday’s 365 Black Awards coverage!

EXTRAS:

1. Don’t forget! TheYBF.com is ON THE SCENE at the 2014 Essence Festival! Follow us on INSTAGRAM for tons of EXCLUSIVES and instant coverage!

2. Rapper Rich Homie Quan PIMP SLAPPED a fan…from the stage…during his latest show Friday night. STORY

Photos: TheYBF.com/Paras Griffin/Getty/Trina Braxton’s IG/@stunxcom/@JussCoolNYC/@DivasAndDorks/@NewOrleans/@shawnj3000/@isumlar/@_iammiad/@qsavage

Original Post Source – http://www.theybf.com/

Videos

BLKTEMBER Drops Debut Single “Keep In Touch” Bringing Atlanta’s Soul to the Airwaves

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta-based artist BLKTEMBER emerged onto the music scene with his debut single “Keep In Touch,” released on June 25, 2022. Produced by soundsbysammy and engineered by BLKTEMBER himself, the track is a seamless blend of R&B and pop, showcasing the artist’s versatility and unique sound.

For BLKTEMBER, the motivation behind “Keep In Touch” was sparked by the infectious beat. “Honestly, the beat motivated me. From the very first time I listened to it, I had my idea for the song and I knew I had to finish it,” he shares. This enthusiasm translated into a captivating track that marks his official introduction to the music world.

As BLKTEMBER’s inaugural release, “Keep In Touch” holds a special place in his heart. “This is my first released song, the very first song I invited the world to listen to,” he reflects. With lyrics like “I hate we’re in different places, never been good with patience,” the song captures the essence of longing and connection, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level. As BLKTEMBER continues to hone his craft, fans can anticipate more soulful melodies and captivating storytelling in his upcoming projects, promising a fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences.

Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/blktember/

Music

ISH Money Drops Infectious Anthem “I Need A Bad Bitch”

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Emerging from Elizabeth City, NC, ISH Money electrifies the music scene with his latest track, “I Need A Bad Bitch,” released on April 6th, 2024. Produced by the dynamic Stxnk and engineered by the renowned Kelly Bangaz, this song is a testament to ISH Money’s commitment to crafting infectious beats and unforgettable hooks. With his Instagram @ishmoney252 buzzing with anticipation, the artist aims to captivate listeners with this club-ready anthem.

When asked about the motivation behind the song, ISH Money shared, “My motivation behind this song was to make people dance and have fun in the club or at a party.” Indeed, “I Need A Bad Bitch” exudes an irresistible energy that ignites any dance floor, blending catchy lyrics with pulsating rhythms. For ISH Money, this track holds special significance as it embodies good vibes and an invitation to let loose and enjoy the moment.

Among the standout lines in the song, ISH Money highlights, “R.I.P Pop smoke girl shake the room.” Paying homage to the late Pop Smoke, ISH Money adds a heartfelt touch to the track, honoring the legacy of the talented artist whose impact resonates deeply in the hip-hop community. As fans eagerly await ISH Money’s upcoming project, teased to be 65% completed for a summer release, “I Need A Bad Bitch” serves as a tantalizing preview of the artist’s evolving style and infectious energy.

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

12 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Big C

Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.