On July 4th, Essence Magazine held the 14th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisana. The three days event included a range of live performances of different genres (jazz, funk, r&b, gospel and rap), seminars and meets and greets. Performers included Mary J. Blige, J. Holiday, LL Cool J, Rihanna, Kanye West and many more. Many artists, celebrities, producers, label executives and actors were in attendance to be a part of this extravaganza weekend. Peep the photos below.

Day One - July 4th, 2008

Row 1 - Kanye West / Rihanna

Row 2 - Tyler Perry / Chris Brown

Row 3 - Solange / Chilli / Terrance J & Rosci

Row 4 - J. Holiday / MC Lyte

Row 5 - Bow Wow

Day Two - July 5th, 2008

Row 1 - Odewale Odunleye & Sanaa Lathan / Chrisette Michelle

Row 2 -Dwele / Boris Kudjoe & Keshia Knight-Pulliam / LL Cool J

Row 3 - Tichina Arnold / Musiq

Day Three - July 6th, 2008

Row 1 - Mary J. Blige / Keyshia Cole /Raphael Saadiq & Bryan-Michael Cox

Row 2 - Kevin Liles & Mathew Knowles / Estelle

Row 3 - Gil Scott-Heron / Chris Rock