Latest news with #ESSENCE
Black America Web
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025
Source:for ESSENCE The baddies were on the ground at this year's energy-elevating Essence Fest where culture collided with community at the star-powered spectacular in the heart of the Big Easy. Surrounded by stunners, attendees were treated to every of flavor of eye candy from Coco Jones to Keke Palmer who brought her hit podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer to the Essence main stage for a special live-taping. Joined by golden-penned Grammy-winner/reality star Kandi Burruss, Keke delivered her signature brand of hilarity while vibing with her hitmaking guest in front of an overflowing crowd in the convention center. Source:for ESSENCE Source:for ESSENCE Source:for ESSENCE The multi-jobbed maven also dropped an exclusive clip of her upcoming comedy-heist film The Pickup starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson coming to Prime Video on August 6. In The Pickup, mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), find themselves caught up in Keke's $60 million casino robbery plot with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo. Source: Amazon MGM Studios As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-octane danger, clashing personalities and one very bad day that keeps getting worse. Check out the trailer below: Directed by Tim Story ( The Blackening , Ride Along , and Barbershop ), the surefire streaming hit also stars Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, Joe 'Roman Reigns' Anoa'i, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. 'He's an icon,' said Story about working with Murphy during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show . 'We hear a lot about comedians talking about how much he's made an impact on them, [but] sometimes you don't hear how he's impacted filmmaking…he's a big reason why I make the movies I make.' Will you be seated for The Pickup ? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of fly girls, queen muvas and viral stunners who slayed Essence Fest 2025 on the flip. The post Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025 appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025 was originally published on
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Lauryn Hill slams Essence Festival 'nonsense': 'Delays were not my fault'
Lauryn Hill is slamming the narrative surrounding her 2025 Essence Festival of Culture performance delays over the holiday weekend. The "Killing Me Softly With His Song" hitmaker took to social media Tuesday, July 8, to address "nonsense" surrounding her Essence Fest set, thanking "Essence for clarifying that the delays were not my fault." Hill took the stage at 2:30 a.m. local time in New Orleans for the annual festival and celebration of Black culture on Friday, July 4, to a smaller crowd than she would typically attract. "Family, let me address a few things: I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do," Hill added. Lauryn Hill says media 'sensationalism' led to abrupt cancellation of US anniversary tour The music legend said she plans for performances "diligently" while "also being a parent, grandparent and steward to my immediate family and community," adding that she does so "without complaint because it is truly labor of love and great passion for me." The eight-time Grammy winner, long the subject of controversy surrounding her performance tardiness, was previously praised by Essence, an outlet whose core audience is Black women, in an Instagram post June 6 following a People magazine article highlighting the lateness to the stage. "Family is family and around here we protect our own no matter what the PEOPLE have to say. Let's be very clear— WE don't play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines," the caption read. She arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can." A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence) 'Y'all lucky I make this stage': Lauryn Hill defends concert tardiness during LA show "The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them," the statement continued. "All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill." Last year, Hill and her hip-hop group Fugees, who were set to kick off a new leg of The Miseducation Anniversary Tour beginning this month, abruptly canceled their U.S. tour dates. But in her own Instagram post this week, Hill dismissed the backlash about her Essence Fest performance timing. "There seems to be a misconception out there that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I'm too important to care," Hill said, adding that the narrative is "nonsense… and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true." "Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so," Hill added. "We are here, pushing through the resistance." "Ask yourself how and why I'm still standing after years of public effort to defame me?" Hill asked. "Because someone has to do it!" Stephanie Mills 'grateful' but concerned about Essence Festival 'professionalism' Hill wasn't the only one to take issue with the Essence Fest snags. In an open letter to Essence Festival organizers posted publicly to her social media July 7, Mills expressed concern over the event's "overall level of professionalism" following her Sunday performance. "While I remain grateful for the opportunity to have participated, my overall experience was unfortunately marred by significant production issues that negatively impacted both my performance and the artist experience as a whole," the performer wrote. Mills told fans that "the schedule and time management were severely lacking, creating a chaotic and stressful environment backstage" and noted that there were "technical difficulties, specifically concerning the sound system" that "proved deeply problematic." Mills called for a "comprehensive review of organizational structure and operational management." Contributing: Edward Segarra
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ESSENCE GU® and Kensington Grey Partner to Power a New Standard for Creator Culture at ESSENCE Festival Of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola®
NEW ORLEANS, July 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the nation's largest celebration of global Black culture, two creative forces partnered together to raise the bar for creators. ESSENCE GU® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey, the premier talent agency for Black digital storytellers, partnered during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® to present a weekend of high-impact, content-forward experiences built by and for today's most influential voices. At the heart of this collaboration was a shared mission: elevate Black creators not just as talent—but as industry leaders, cultural architects, and the future of storytelling. The ESSENCE GU® x Kensington Grey Creator Mixer: A Cultural Convergence On Saturday, July 5th, the invite-only, #KGxGUHouseMixer, the crown jewel of the partnership, brought together a dynamic networking experience designed to spark collaboration across industries with an elite roster of Kensington Grey talent, creators on the rise, brand partners, and ESSENCE GU® tastemakers for an afternoon of curated conversation, intentional connection, and content creation featuring J.C. Carter, Scot Louie, and Justine's Camera Roll. "The ESSENCE Festival Of Culture® has become a rite of passage for creators, on par with New York Fashion Week and Coachella. It's one of the largest and most culturally significant festivals in the world, and brands are increasingly turning to creators as the primary source of on-the-ground amplification. Whether it's a chance celebrity sighting, a standout culinary moment, or capturing the city's stunning architecture, the opportunities for viral storytelling are endless because there really is no place like New Orleans." said Shannae Ingleton, co-founder of Kensington Grey. "Partnering with ESSENCE on the GU® Creator Mixer was an easy 'yes' for us at Kensington Grey. For starters, the ESSENCE brand is iconic, and our missions are perfectly aligned when it comes to celebrating creators, art, community, and culture. We're confident this is the first of many collaborations like this one." SEE INSIDE #KGXGUHOUSEMIXER AND DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE CREDITS: GETTY FOR ESSENCE ESSENCE GU® Creator House & Kickback: The Full Weekend Vision The ESSENCE GU® x Kensington Grey alliance extended beyond one moment. Throughout the weekend: The ESSENCE GU® Creator House was a content hub where creators could shoot, edit, and connect in real time. With brand vignettes and social-ready spaces, it doubles as a working studio and cultural sanctuary. The ESSENCE GU® Kickback held at The Fillmore on Friday, July 4th was the weekend's exhale, fusing day party vibes with live music, surprise performances, and cultural celebration, proving that joy is just as powerful as strategy, featuring a stacked lineup of KenTheMan, Moliy, T99zy, and Chxrry in a genre-crossing live experience designed for a new generation of cultural disruptors. Hosted by Zoe Spencer. "Black women are forever the blueprint — and at ESSENCE Girls United®, we build for us, by us, because we love us. By joining forces with a visionary agency like Kensington Grey, we're stepping beyond creating content to cultivate long-lasting legacy, connection, and joy, said Rechelle Dennis, co-founder and brand lead of ESSENCE Girls United®. "Together, we're designing a new pathway where creativity flourishes, culture leads, and the next generation of storytellers can rise unapologetically." Through ushering in a new generation, this partnership between ESSENCE GU® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey activates a powerful truth: when Black creators are centered, supported, and seen, the results are unforgettable. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture®), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP INC. ESSENCE Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®. ABOUT KENSINGTON GREY Founded in 2019, Kensington Grey's mission is to invest in the moments that matter and advocate for groundbreaking opportunities, turning visionary talents into lifelong changemakers. Through expert influencer casting, talent, strategy, and campaign management, Kensington Grey creates impactful legacies, delivering exceptional results and supporting its clients in driving lasting social change. Kensington Grey commits to empowering the underrepresented voices of tomorrow by providing the platform and support needed to turn revolutionary ideas into reality. The agency's distinctive promise lies in its tailored approach to brand and influencer management, which focuses not just on growth but on inclusive and meaningful impact. View source version on Contacts pr@ pr@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
and Kensington Grey Partner to Power a New Standard for Creator Culture at ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the nation's largest celebration of global Black culture, two creative forces partnered together to raise the bar for creators. ESSENCE GU ® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey, the premier talent agency for Black digital storytellers, partnered during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture ® presented by Coca-Cola ® to present a weekend of high-impact, content-forward experiences built by and for today's most influential voices. On Saturday, July 5th, the invite-only, #KGxGUHouseMixer, the crown jewel of the partnership, brought together a dynamic networking experience designed to spark collaboration across industries with an elite roster of Kensington Grey talent, creators on the Share At the heart of this collaboration was a shared mission: elevate Black creators not just as talent—but as industry leaders, cultural architects, and the future of storytelling. The ESSENCE GU ® x Kensington Grey Creator Mixer: A Cultural Convergence On Saturday, July 5th, the invite-only, #KGxGUHouseMixer, the crown jewel of the partnership, brought together a dynamic networking experience designed to spark collaboration across industries with an elite roster of Kensington Grey talent, creators on the rise, brand partners, and ESSENCE GU ® tastemakers for an afternoon of curated conversation, intentional connection, and content creation featuring J.C. Carter, Scot Louie, and Justine's Camera Roll. 'The ESSENCE Festival Of Culture ® has become a rite of passage for creators, on par with New York Fashion Week and Coachella. It's one of the largest and most culturally significant festivals in the world, and brands are increasingly turning to creators as the primary source of on-the-ground amplification. Whether it's a chance celebrity sighting, a standout culinary moment, or capturing the city's stunning architecture, the opportunities for viral storytelling are endless because there really is no place like New Orleans.' said Shannae Ingleton, co-founder of Kensington Grey. 'Partnering with ESSENCE on the GU ® Creator Mixer was an easy 'yes' for us at Kensington Grey. For starters, the ESSENCE brand is iconic, and our missions are perfectly aligned when it comes to celebrating creators, art, community, and culture. We're confident this is the first of many collaborations like this one.' SEE INSIDE #KGXGUHOUSEMIXER AND DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE CREDITS: GETTY FOR ESSENCE ESSENCE GU ® Creator House & Kickback: The Full Weekend Vision The ESSENCE GU ® x Kensington Grey alliance extended beyond one moment. Throughout the weekend: The ESSENCE GU ® Creator House was a content hub where creators could shoot, edit, and connect in real time. With brand vignettes and social-ready spaces, it doubles as a working studio and cultural sanctuary. The ESSENCE GU ® Kickback held at The Fillmore on Friday, July 4th was the weekend's exhale, fusing day party vibes with live music, surprise performances, and cultural celebration, proving that joy is just as powerful as strategy, featuring a stacked lineup of KenTheMan, Moliy, T99zy, and Chxrry in a genre-crossing live experience designed for a new generation of cultural disruptors. Hosted by Zoe Spencer. 'Black women are forever the blueprint — and at ESSENCE Girls United ®, we build for us, by us, because we love us. By joining forces with a visionary agency like Kensington Grey, we're stepping beyond creating content to cultivate long-lasting legacy, connection, and joy, said Rechelle Dennis, co-founder and brand lead of ESSENCE Girls United ®. 'Together, we're designing a new pathway where creativity flourishes, culture leads, and the next generation of storytellers can rise unapologetically.' Through ushering in a new generation, this partnership between ESSENCE GU ® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey activates a powerful truth: when Black creators are centered, supported, and seen, the results are unforgettable. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture ®), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP INC. ESSENCE Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture ®. ABOUT KENSINGTON GREY Founded in 2019, Kensington Grey's mission is to invest in the moments that matter and advocate for groundbreaking opportunities, turning visionary talents into lifelong changemakers. Through expert influencer casting, talent, strategy, and campaign management, Kensington Grey creates impactful legacies, delivering exceptional results and supporting its clients in driving lasting social change. Kensington Grey commits to empowering the underrepresented voices of tomorrow by providing the platform and support needed to turn revolutionary ideas into reality. The agency's distinctive promise lies in its tailored approach to brand and influencer management, which focuses not just on growth but on inclusive and meaningful impact.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Master P Responds To Mia X's Refusal To Perform With Him At ESSENCE Fest
With ESSENCE Fest right around the corner, Mia X is refusing to hit the stage for No Limit Records founder Master P's highly anticipated set, claiming disrespect and janky business is to blame. Taking to her Instagram account Sunday (June 29), the New Orleans artist let followers know that, despite being featured on advertising materials, she will not be hitting the stage with her former label head due to being contacted on short notice and dismissed when she mentioned her performance fee to the 'Bout It Bout It' rapper's team. 'It's still unbelievable that I'm actually saying this. I will NOT be performing at Essence Fest as a featured artist in Master P set,' Mia X, born Mia Young, wrote. 'We started talking about my involvement last week. At first his management didn't want to entertain my performance fee.' She went on to say she spoke with P, born Percy Miller, on June 26, and that he said their lack of communication was due to his busy schedule. She was then sent a contract on June 27, but with the festival beginning July 4, feels it is too late to produce a quality set worthy of such a large platform. 'I felt disrespected because the show had been booked for many months, and I had been advertised as a featured artist,' she wrote. 'No schedule in place for rehearsals, no contract, no deposit, and the fear of a repeat of 2018.' The MC then added that she was also upset with ESSENCE for using her within marketing materials without confirmation of her participation. 'I felt like once again, no matter who's saying protect and respect Black women, they always sell us out to the boys club,' she wrote. See her full post below. Master P has since responded to Mia's complaints, essentially chalking it all up to a misunderstanding. 'I don't know where the miscommunication came from, but Mia X @themamamiax can get whatever she wants from me,' P captioned a clip of him speaking on the matter via Instagram. 'This a Master p celebration! Mia can perform or don't have to. This will be the MASTER P farewell show at Essence Fest.' The businessman added that he told Mia to 'give him a number' regarding her fee and he'd be more than happy to pay it, but chose not to pressure the spitter into agreeing, as it is short notice. Check out his post below. The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture will be hosted by Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns from July 4 through July 6, with performers including Boyz II Men, Maxwell, Davido, The Isley Brothers, GloRilla, Buju Banton, Summer Walker, Donell Jones, Muni Long, and Nas. Tickets can be purchased here via Ticketmaster. More from Master P, Boyz II Men, Maxwell To Headline ESSENCE Fest 2025 Master P Named President Of Basketball Operations At New Orleans College Master P Gives Powerful Keynote Speech At Grambling State University
