Pictures of the Day :: @EssenceMusic Festival Lights up New Orleans

Essence Magazine hosted their annual music festival in New Orleans from July 1 to July 3, where attendees are invited to attend empowerment seminars during the day, and at night, enjoy concerts headlined by some of the best artists in the music industry.

This year the concert line-up included Mary J. Blige, Usher, Kelly Price, Jennifer Hudson, Charlie Wilson, El Debarge, Jill Scott and Trey Songz with memorable performances by Kanye West, the New Edition reunion and SO much MORE!!

You can get all the inside scoop about Essence’s annual music festival, here. 

Musical Muse :: @KanyeWest @M_I_A_ @EspeSpalding and @JanelleMonae Featured in W Magazine’s Music & Style Issue

No one on the corner has swagger like M.I.A. and Donatella Versace in W Magazine’s Music & Style Issue which features Christina Aguilera on the cover and is on stands now.

Each artist is donning the gear of the designer pictured. In the spread, Kanye West is pictured with Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarts; Janelle Monae with Karl Lagerfeld, and Esperanza Spalding with Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein.

Met Gala Red Carpet :: @JanelleMonae @Beyonce @AliciaKeys @KanyeWest @JLo and More!

The Met Gala, with Vogue editor Anna Wintour at the helm, is one of the most fashionable events of the year.

This year, the Gala is honoring the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, Savage Beauty, which looks at the work of British designer Alexander McQueen.

Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, Pharrell and many others were in attendance for this years Gala. All of the celebs look great!

Who gets the “Official Crown” for best dressed?

Congratulations! The Root 100 List: @JayElectronica @JanelleMonae @JohnLegend @BeverlyBond @KasimReed @BCourtneyWilson and 94 Others!

Annually, The Root, selects 100 individuals that represent the ideals of the online publication. The list contains a varied collection of people from a cross-section of industries.

Jay Electronica is one of my favorite artists. His lyrical styling is effervescent, yeah, I said it, effervescent. I’m not surprised to see him on a list which also includes Atlanta’s Mayor, Kasim Reed. They are both using the realities of society to move the crowd, whether it be at a concert or to the voting polls.

Speaking of moves, Janelle Monae is the hautest woman in a tuxedo. There’s something about seeing her perform that makes ME feel good. Right, what is that?

Officially Crowned, Beverly Bond is a celebrity DJ, model and Founder of Black Girls Rock! Inc., you can read more about her and the organization here. John Legend is out here living up to his last name, ain’t he? In addition to being extremely talented vocally and on the piano, he gives time and money to worthwhile causes, introducing philanthropic compassion to a new generation of music lovers. Beverly and John are using their talent to help and better the lives of others.

Brian Courtney Wilson, recently re-launched “Just Love” with five new tracks and video footage. He’s currently on a multi-city tour as Ambassador for the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Strokes” tour. His singles have dominated gospel music charts for weeks at a time, he’s now taking his music ministry to churches in an effort to change lifestyles and save lives.

Learn more about the other 94, click the pic for The Root’s entire 2010 list!

@JanelleMonae will be in Nashville at the Cannery Ballroom on Sunday, September 26!

Janelle Monae promises to be a hot ticket for music lovers in Nashville when she performs on the same stage with “of Montreal” on Sunday, September 26, doors open at 8 pm; tickets are $25, show starts at 9 pm.

The photos were taken at Janelle Monae’s last gig with “of Montreal” at Terminal 5, Brooklyn, New York.

Tickets are on sale here, now.

Photo Credit: Matthew Eisman see more pictures here.