Brandy, Maxwell, Jill Scott, and LL Cool J Invade Essence Music Festival

Following last weekend’s BET Awards, the stars migrated from Los Angeles to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival. Maxwell, Jill Scott, Emeli Sandé, and Chrisette Michele helped kick off the four-day festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Friday with their soulful sets.

LL Cool J, who is currently on his “Kings of the Mic” tour, took fans back with his hip-hop hits, and Brandy performed her classics including “I Wanna Be Down” and “The Boy Is Mine.”

Solange, Trey Songz, and Keyshia Cole are among the artists on tonight’s bill. Beyoncé will close out the festival on Sunday when “The Mrs. Carter Show” rolls into town.

Check out more photos from Friday’s festivities below.