After Rallying Support, Juvenile Gets Added to Essence Festival

Juvenile’s tweets have worked magic yet again. After the New Orleans rapper demanded to be added to the Essence Festival Hip-Hop 50 lineup, on Wednesday (June 8), he confirmed his upcoming special appearance.

In a since-deleted tweet from last week, Juvie, legal name Terius Gray, questioned why he wasn’t on the Essence Festival bill, also adding a link to his own event.

“How is essence doing 50 years of hip hop in New Orleans without me???” he tweeted. “F that Donna Fest July 2nd me w my live band +Mannie Fresh +Rebirth & more.”

Previously, the only New Orleans artist scheduled to perform for Essence Festival’s 50th anniversary was Mia X. Also on the bill are Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, with additional hip-hop support from Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, Gucci Mane, Big Boi, Jermaine Dupri, KRS-One and more.

“As we prepared to celebrate the cultural commemoration of 50 years of Hip-Hop at this year’s festival, we planned with intention around the integration of New Orleans & Louisiana artists and the musical heritage across several experiences,” Essence said on Instagram.

“Whether it be the celebration of Hip-Hop femcees like New Orleans native, Mia X, who has previously been announced, or special surprise performances from local Hip-Hop artists that should not be missed, along with our all Crescent City musical line-up during our Family Day celebration, the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana will be well represented including Hip-Hop artist, Juvenile.”