ESSENCE Music Festival Playlist

I believe that Beyonce' is over rated. People gets confused by her shaking her ass everywhere that they don't give people who deserves the credit the credit. Beyonce' is alright, but she only good with songs that she can shake her behind on. BET plays too much, because Beyonce didn't deserve to win the best female R & B Artist award. They had others that were way more deserving of that award. Beyonce is only remember from songs where women can shake their behinds on.

Posted at 5:56PM on July 5th 2009 by c

My husband and I waited till 1:20am for Maxwell to perform at Essence Festival. He did not come out and we were wondering if he ever came out to perform? We were both extremely disappointed because no from backstage gave us an update or anything. People were complaining and falling asleep. I was just curious and would like to know especially since we had floor tickets and eventually left our great seats discouraged.

Posted at 2:05PM on July 5th 2009 by Roshaye Johnson

The 15th Year Anniversary of Essence in New Orleans - WOW!! Off to a great start, loved the seminars and concerts yesterday. Especially enjoyed meeting Queen Latifah; getting close enough to see David Man (Mr. Brown) and Tamela Mann (Cora) - love the CD that was given out; always great to see Steve Harvey (maybe Essence should add a day for comedy July 1 and concerts July 2-4, 2010); Eva Pickford is beautiful in person too; Neyo was great!!!! Looking forward to another day among the stars at the Ernest J. Morial Convention Center and the concerts tonight. Anyone who has experienced the Essence Festival should make it a point to be here next year.

Posted at 1:56PM on July 4th 2009 by Suzette

I believe that no one can make it to the top with out help from someone. Everyone needs someone to make it in this business. I must say that no one makes it alone...Everyone need someone in this cruel business...Dallas, Texas

Posted at 12:20PM on July 4th 2009 by Bre

Chris Brown should have been on the BET awards to pay his respects and tribute to Michael Jackson. I do not think it was was fair for him to be excluded. I hope he gets the help that he needs to overcome whatever problems he may have. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Posted at 8:50AM on July 4th 2009 by Tonya

I failed to mention my girl India.Arie. She sings, writes songs, and is a muscian!!

Posted at 7:11AM on July 4th 2009 by C

I think that Beyonce is overrated! Her singing is ok. Maybe if she had some real songs to sing I would like listening her better! Like a lot of artists these days, her lyrics are repetative! What happened to the real songwriting/singing of old!? I think our society has become to visually oriented. Some people, especially women seem to be overlooked because of the physical. Some women who I feel should be promoted more are Leelah James, Lizz Wright, Jill Scott, Hil St. Soul, Lalah Hathatway, Lina, & Ledisi to name a few. They have beautiful strong voices and songs with creative lyrics!!!

Posted at 7:10AM on July 4th 2009 by C

Chris Brown is a young boy, a young black boy. J and others in the industry should be taking him under their wings and mentoring him as a young one who has made a mistake. J must remember that he was given an opportunity in life in spite of his past mistakes. No one is perfect. Yes, Chris was wrong, but we must remember that he had no role models in his life. He needs to be taught and to learn how to treat a woman and how to control his emotions. Michael Jackson was also his hero and it wasn't about B or J or BET, it was about honoring Michael and his contributions to the world. Chris should have been given the oppotunity to perform and pay his own respects. He performed Thriller on the World Music Awards, the best of what Michael does that I have ever seen. Such egos. From whence we came.

Posted at 10:04PM on July 3rd 2009 by Vee

Deana Beyonce shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed about anything! People all over the world has had something to say about Michael Jackson for as along as I can remember. Can you honestly say that you haven't said something? Because I have said something and of course we all should feel bad because of the fact that he's no longer here and we regret things we say most when someone dies. Beyonce is so hated on for so many different reasons and people talk about her all day everyday. Should or do they feel embarrassed?? No because last time I check people gonna say and do what they want. Beyonce, just like the rest of us, offered her condolences because she has a heart and feelings too. And last time I checked B or J don't own BET. So if Chris Brown was called off then take that up with Debra Lee. And on that note I personally don't have a problem with Chris, but apparently BET did.

Posted at 8:00PM on July 3rd 2009 by Sonya

wtf give me a break. Robin Thicke is a great artist who makes honest music. He does not degrade women. He deserves his props. And it is insulting to say he exploits his wife. He has done nothing but honor his love and devotion to her. Robin has never used her. Only an idiot or racist would think otherwise. Anyway, I can't wait for this year's festival. We need music with substance.

Posted at 6:58PM on July 3rd 2009 by Sara