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Home • Black History Month

WATCH: 15 Unofficial Black History Moments From Our 2018 ESSENCE Fest Performers That We'll Remember Forever

WATCH: 15 Unofficial Black History Moments That We'll Remember Forever From Our 2018 ESSENCE Fest Performers
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
By Rachaell Davis · Updated October 24, 2020

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival lineup is filled with iconic entertainers who have given us some of the most magical moments of our time that will forever hold a special place in our culture. From Fantasia’s ‘American Idol’ win, to Janet’s ‘Pleasure Principal’ video, to Blackstreet’s ‘Booty Call’, there’s no shortage of praise-worthy career moments among this year’s Festival performers.

ESSENCE Festival 2018 ticket packages are on sale now! For more info and the latest news, visit our Festival page HERE.

As we continue to celebrate Black history month today and all year long, here’s a look back at some of our favorites.

01

Idris Elba’s Breakout Performance As Stringer Bell On ‘The Wire’

02

Jill Scott Performs ‘He Love Me’ On Oprah

03

112 Teams Up With Biggie For The ‘Only You’ Remix

04

XSCAPE Reunites

05

Mary J. Blige Tells Us She’s Not Gon’ Cry

06

Janet Jackson Goes AWFF In Her ‘Pleasure Principle’ Video

07

Erykah Badu Performs “Tyrone” Live..And It Becomes The Song’s Official Music Video

08

The Roots feat. Erykah Badu & Eve – “You Got Me”

09

Snoop Dogg – “Gin & Juice”

10

Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh – La Di Da Di

11

MC Lyte on Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” Remix

12

Kelly Price’s “Friend Of Mine (Remix)” Video

13

Fantasia Wins American Idol

14

Wreckx n Effect – “Rump Shaker”

15

Blackstreet’s “Booti Call”