Essence Fest 2025. Photo: WWL Louisiana
Phil Lewis from the blog site What I Am I Reading is back at it again, sharing his insights on some of the most trending beats of the week. So, grab some popcorn and prepare for his take on whatâs shaping the conversations across the country.
Essence Fest mess
Essence Fest took place this past weekend, and with it came a flood of criticism from a variety of sources. Many of the loudest critics on social media did not even make the trip to New Orleans, opting to blame immigrants or âJollof vs. Jambalayaâ events for this yearâs smaller turnout.
In reality, Essence Festâs challenges are a bit more nuanced than that. The festival, like other events across the country, is facing significant economic challenges. It has lost key sponsorship dollars, hasnât been able to attract a major superstar, failed to promote the festival effectively and has struggled to remain relevant as audience attitudes and priorities shift. Even Stephanie Mills penned an open letter detailing the eventâs âoperational deficiencies.â
âEssence really didn’t have one of those big stadium-sized acts this year. There was no BeyoncĂ©, there was no Drake, there was no Janet Jackson or no Usher, nothing like that,” Keith Spera, a music critic who has covered every Essence Fest since 1995, told WWL-TV. “They’re kind of caught between the original generation of Essence fans and a new generation. So, they’re trying to walk that fine line of still catering to the old fans while attracting some new fans. And they haven’t always been successful with doing that.â
Spera detailed a list of solutions for Essence Fest in the The Times-Picayune, from resolving the scheduling issues to listening to the fans.
Demetria Lucas also had ESSENCEâs Chief Events Officer, Michael Barclay, come on to her âRatchet & Respectableâ podcast to discuss all of the online feedback they have received.
Sean Combs Sentencing date
By Nikeush – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=161566037
A federal judge has scheduled Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing for October 3 after the music mogul was convicted on charges related to transporting individuals for prostitution connected to his drug-fueled sexual performances.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over Combs’ trial in Manhattan, set the date on July 8 following a request from Combsâ attorney, Marc Agnifilo. Prosecutors and probation officers concurred with the scheduled date.
Combs’ legal team is expected to submit their sentencing recommendation by September 19, with prosecutors likely to do so approximately a week later. Federal prosecutors have indicated that Combs could face a prison term ranging from 51 to 63 months under sentencing guidelines, while the defense has argued that the guidelines suggest a sentence of around two years. The 55-year-old Grammy-winning rapper remains detained in the Special Housing Unit at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024, despite being acquitted of the most serious charges by the jury.
Mama Mosie Burks, a pioneering figure in gospel music and a beloved member of the Mississippi Mass Choir, is fondly remembered by family, friends, and fans following her passing on Monday morning, July 7, at the age of 92.
Courtesy of Malaco Records
The Mississippi Mass Choir announced her death on Facebook Monday evening.
âMama Mosie was more than just a voice,â the statement reads. âShe was a living testament to unwavering faith, joy, and perseverance. Her dynamic renditions of âWhen I Rose This Morningâ and her inspiring presence both on and off stage captured the true essence of gospel music and embodied the mission of our choir. Her energy, her testimony, and her deep love for God touched audiences worldwide and led many souls to Christ.â
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