The Best Dressed Performers From Essence Fest 2023
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One of the Blackest annual gatherings, better known as Essence Festival of Culture, went down this past weekend in New Orleans. The star-studded event featured celebrities ranging from Kamala Harris to Lauryn Hill, with everyone in attendance being dressed to impressed.
In honor of hip hop turning 50, the Caesars Superdome transformed into the backdrop for a tribute to rap pioneers like Slick Rick, Ice Cube, E-40, JJ Fad and more. From Kangol hats to fat gold rope chains, the fashion simply spoke for itself at this year’s celebration. Here are the best dressed celebrities from Essence Fest 2023.
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Lauryn Hill
The legendary songstress took the stage at Caesars Superdome in an ornate and gorgeous colorful flock. Songs from her setlist included “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.” Wyclef also joined Hill onstage to perform Fugees hits.
Janelle Monae
The “Lipstick Lover” singer donned a playful black and white geometric outfit during her performance. Monae’s peek-a-boo top led to a playful moment where she briefly flashed one of her breasts—which was censored by pink tape, of course.
E-40
The indelible E-40 sported a red knit cap with matching red sunglasses, as well as a black metallic shirt and a gleaming medallion necklace.
Big Boi
If there’s one thing Big Boi is going to do, it’s represent Atlanta to the fullest! The Outkast member sported one of his luxurious furs, a red and white fitted and several gold chains.
Lady Of Rage
She rocks rough and stuff with her Afro Puffs! Lady of Rage rocked the Essence Festival stage with her biggest and best accessory: a head full of natural coils.
Gucci Mane
The “Lemonade” rapper showed off a toned physique as he wore a black Prada shirt draped in layers of jewelry. Gucci completed the look with a pair of oversized black sunglasses.
Ludacris
Ludacris graced the Essence Fest stage with oversized rings, white geometric glasses and a golden sleeveless shirt that said “honor the gift.”
JJ Fad
The “Supersonic” super group sported braids, matching pink jackets and black pants. To top off their modest yet dope looks, JJ Fad had microphones that were diamond encrusted.
Ice-T
The man who was pivotal in the gangsta rap movement of the 80s and 90s kept it simple in all black, sporting black pants, a black Dolce and Gabbana top, a single gold chain and sunglasses.
Jill Scott
Jilly from Philly made her all black ensemble sparkle with beaded epaulets, colorful earrings and stiletto nails.
Lil Jon
Lil Jon wore a green knit bucket hat on the Essence stage as well as a conspicuous chain, a white textured shirt and oversized sunglasses.
Monica
The R&B princess wore a patterned ensemble complete with black thigh-high boots.
Big Freedia
Big Freedia came to slay in a zebra-patterned outfit completed with an ombre hairstyle.
Coco Jones
Sis served us body, perfectly laid hair and a flawless manicure when she performed at Caesars Superdome. Jones was a vision in orange—and it’s one we’ll never forget.
Rico Nasty
The “Smack a B*tch” rapper showed off her tattoos in a black sleeveless top accompanied by a black satin skirt with a flower embroidered on the side.
Juvenile
Juvenile was gleefully Gucci’d out in an orange and white logo shirt accompanied by a matching headpiece. The “Slow Motion” rapper topped off the look with an orange backpack.
Doug E. Fresh
The legendary hip hop personality topped off an all white outfit with a metallic jacket.
Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox was a site in red as the songstress took over the Caesars Superdome in a sexy ensemble.
Tobe Nwigwe
The singer wore a brilliant boxy green mint green suit during his Essence Fest performance.
Slick Rick
Leave it to Slick Rick The Ruler to pull off an oversized magenta top and a ridiculous chain as he dominated the Essence Fest stage.
Missy Elliott
Missy brought the heat (literally) during her Essence Fest performance in a purple sequined jumpsuit, gigantic hoop earrings and sunglasses.
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