Aaliyah received a seismic tribute at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture 

Curated by the late icon’s longtime collaborator Missy Elliott, the showcase saw an eclectic array of names show up and show out with anthems from the beloved R&B singer.

Housed at the Super Dome in New Orleans, the ESSENCE special brought with it performances from the likes of Normani, Chloé Bailey, Ryan Destiny, and Mya.

Individually and collaboratively, the group powered through classics such as ‘Rock The Boat,’ ‘One In A Million,’ ‘More Than A Woman,’ ‘We Need a Resolution,’ and ‘4 Page Latter.’

Check out highlights below…

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Ciara salutes a decade of marriage with new music.

CiCi and Russell Wilson tied the knot exactly 10 years ago today, on July 6, 2016.

In the time since, their family has grown to comprise four children – Future, Sienna, Win, and Amora – and a whole lot of love.

On the freshly unwrapped track, the GRAMMY winner celebrates their union (which many deem “couple goals”), making clear that she would say “yes” every time.

The mid-tempo groove was produced by Thom Bridges, who co–penned the cut wuth Ciara, Rachel West, and Courtlin Jabrae.

Speaking on the track, the stage blazer gushed:

“’Yes’ is a fun, flirty, feel-good anthem of commitment and choosing love every single day. When you find the right person, saying yes isn’t just one moment, it’s something you continue to choose through every season of life. Releasing this song on our anniversary is a declaration that I would say yes again and again.”

What are you waiting for? Take a listen below…

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Candiace Dillard Bassett continues to look forward and is strutting toward the music with renewed vigor.

After announcing her exit from the ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ after six seasons, the multihyphenate star has welcomed wins in both her personal and professional life – giving birth to son Jet and shining in earnest on ‘The Traitors.’

Now, she principally has music on the mind.

That Grape Juice caught up with Candiace at the BET Awards 2026, where she opened up in earnest about what’s coming next – including new single ‘Pretty Ain’t Perfect.’

Set for release on July 17, the track – according to the performer – sees her talk “about me and my man,” With this offering, she promises that listeners will be “getting all up in my business.”

Check out Candiace’s exclusive interview with TGJ’s Eric Devontae above.

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Brandy is the gift that keeps giving.

For, in a bid to treat fans, the Vocal Bible has even gone against her own word, chapter, and verse.

In a recent interview with True Exclusives, the GRAMMY winner was quizzed about performing fan favorite ‘When You Touch Me.’ Responding, she fessed that the song and its housing album, ‘Full Moon,’ challenged her in terms of range and left her uncertain about how to present such tracks in the here and now.

Well, that changed last night (July 4) at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans.

Because not only did B-Rocka perform ‘When You Touch Me’ as part of her headlining set with Monica, she smashed it.

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Playboi Carti may have fired back at Drake. The rapper appeared to clap back on Ken Carson’s new album ‘Xperiment,’ which dropped on July 4.

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Ice Spice is not dating Tobey Maguire.

Indeed, despite the speculation, the rapper’s team shut down romance rumours after photos of the two at Michael Rubin‘s White Party went all sorts of viral.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs could receive a presidential pardon. President Donald Trump is reportedly discussing clemency for the incarcerated mogul as part of a broader pardon spree.

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Sexyy Red is continuing to mourn the loss of Tay Keith.

The rapper took to Instagram to share photos from the late producer’s funeral in Memphis, offering the masses a glimpse at the emotional farewell for one of modern Hip-Hop’s most impactful hitmakers.

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Lionel Richie is letting fans know he is on the mend after a frightening moment on stage sparked concern.

The music legend has spoken out following the health scare that saw him hospitalized after falling ill during the opening night of his latest tour.

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Jaalen Best is stepping into the ring as Muhammad Ali in Prime Video’s incoming scripted series, ‘The Greatest.’

And now, fans have their first taste of what to expect.

Unveiled during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, the official first-look teaser introduced Best as the boxing legend, humanitarian, and global icon whose life continues to impact generations.

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Serena Williams is officially waving goodbye to the 2026 Wimbledon Championship.

And the beloved tennis ace has cited health issues as the cause.

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Beyoncé has unwrapped a special surprise for the BeyHive.

Timed to the July 4 holiday, the global superstar has released ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’, a brand-new track that doubles as the starting point for the 60-day countdown to the 20th anniversary re-issue of her sophomore album ‘B’Day’.

Full story below…

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