Jermaine Dupri to pay tribute to music titan Quincy Jones at ESSENCE
Rapper Jermaine Dupri gives a sneak peak into his Quincy Jones tribute set list that features Xscape, MC Lyte and many more.
Some of the most iconic voices in hip-hop and R&B are taking over New Orleans this weekend at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture.
The long-standing festival will feature a jam-packed lineup of performers taking the stage.
“Every Fourth of July weekend, we gather in New Orleans to celebrate Black excellence in all its forms,” Essence said on its website. “This is where we see ourselves—fully, proudly, and in power. We Love Us. Come and feel that love for yourself.”
Here’s what we know about this year’s Essence Festival:
When and where is the Essence Festival of Culture?
The Essence Festival of Culture concerts are held from July 4 to July 6 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Essence Fest three-day lineup
Friday: Maxwell, GloRilla, Babyface, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill, and Psiryn are confirmed to take the stage on night one. Lucky Daye is slated for the Super Lounge performance.
Saturday: Jill Scott will be joined by Jazmine Sullivan and Patti LaBelle. Davido, Erykah Badu, Buju Banton, Summer Walker, and Moliy are also hitting the stage. Donell Jones is scheduled for the Super Lounge performance.
Sunday: Boyz II Men, Nas, and Doug E Fresh are performing on night three. Master P will have a set featuring The No Limit Soldiers, Mia X, Dru Hill, Keri Hilson, and Silkk the Shocker. Muni Long is confirmed for the Super Lounge performance.
On their Instagram page, Essence also announced a “Waiting to Exhale” evening set with artists Keke Palmer, Andra Day, Yolanda Adams, Debrah Cox, Tamar Braxton, India Shawn, Chante Moore and Brittney Spencer.
“An iconic soundtrack. A powerhouse lineup. A moment for the culture,” the post stated.
Will there be a Quincy Jones tribute?
Yes, esteemed producer Jermaine Dupri is spearheading the tribute for Quincy Jones on Sunday. His set list includes:
- Tyrese
- Robin Thicke
- Al B. Sure!
- Xscape
- MC Lyte
- The Pharcyde
- Mobb Deep
- SWV
How to get tickets
Tickets for the concerts are available on Ticketmaster.
The three-day bundle is currently sold out, but single-day tickets are still available. For all three dates, as of July 3, tickets are as low as $82.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
