Missy Elliott Joins 2023 Essence Festival of Culture

Missy Elliott is joining the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a headliner.

In a statement to Complex, Elliott pointed to the historic importance of this year’s edition of the New Orleans event.

“I am so excited to be headlining at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, especially because this year also marks 50 years of Hip Hop culture,” she said. “ESSENCE has always supported and provided a platform for Black women and I am so honored and grateful to be part of this celebration of Hip Hop and sisterhood.”

The massively influential artist joins previously announced headliners Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion. As Elliott touched on in her statement to Complex, this year sees the festival serving as a multi-day celebration of hip-hop’s 50th year. The will include a special curated performance by Doug E. Fresh, a So So Def anniversary performance with Jermaine Dupri and a number of guests, and much more.

Notably, this year’s assortment of headliners—Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, and Missy Elliott—marks the first time the festival has had an all-woman hip-hop headliners lineup.

Other artists also newly confirmed to be making appearances as part of the larger lineup on Thursday include Big Boi, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Gucci Mane, KRS-One, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Muni Long, Slick Rick, Tems, and T.I.

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture kicks off on June 29 and runs through July 3. For more information, including tickets and details on how to watch performances virtually, hit this link.