2016 Essence Music Festival Artist Line-Up – Tha Wire [VIDEO]

It's a party with a purpose and possibly the biggest music and fashion soiree in the nation. The 2016 Essence Music Festival is going down in the Crescent City July 4th weekend. It's one of the most visited and celebrated music festivals in the nation, and takes place in the legendary city of New Orleans every year with some of the biggest names in music and beyond.

ESSENCE President, Michelle Ebanks, announced this year's headliners on the Superdome main stage will include the man of the year Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey and Maxwell. Other huge acts include Layla Hathaway, Jeremih, Tyrese, Ciara, Dej Loaf, Tink, Estelle, Faith Evans, Jidenna, New Edition, Kelly Price and another 20 artists.  Did I mention Uncle Charlie Wilson will be in the house? At this point, I shouldn't have to, right? Mr. Wilson is an Essence staple.

So get ready for the ultimate cultural and musical experience in New Orleans June 30 through July 3, 2016. For ticket and hotel packages, click here.  Keep your eyes on essence.com to find out who's performing where and when. This info usually comes out late, for some reason.

Checkout last years performances:

Below is a list of other artists scheduled to perform at this years Essence Fest in the Big Easy:

BJ The Chicago Kid, Cyril Neville, Daley, Digable Planets, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Bellinger, Judith Hill, Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Lady Leshurr, Little Simz, Mali Music, MC Lyte, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper Experiment, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, The Brand New Heavies, and V. Bozeman.

Thisisrnb.com reports R&B singer/actor Ne-Yo, is officially off the market. The singer married his girlfriend model Crystal Renay, who recently gave birth to the couples first child together. The wedding took place at the gorgeous Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.

“We can’t wait to start our life together,” Neyo told PEOPLE, prior to tied the knot Saturday February 20 in California. “We’re looking forward to just being each others’ best friend.”

The newlyweds met about a year ago, and it didn't take long for Ne-Yo to put a ring on it and here we are. The couple's bundle of joy is Crystals first child, and Ne-yo's third. He has a 5-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son from his previous relationship with Monyetta Shaw.

By the way, Crystal is currently starring in a brand new BET series called, "About the Business." The new show airs Wednesdays and follows the lives of a tight-knit group of professionals looking to make their mark in Hollywood. Other cast members include model/actress Eva Marcille, Danielle Crawley who heads up marketing for Nick Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment, celeb stylist EJ King, celeb event planner/ public relations and talent manager Sparkle Holmes rounds out the group. With all this glitz and glamour, you know there's plenty of drama! Peep the trailer below.