Nas Is Headlining Essence Festival

Its been a busy spring for Nas and his summer schedule isn't looking any quieter. Nas has just been announced as a headliner for the opening night of the Essence Music Festival. The 20th anniversary edition of music festival kicks of July 3 at the New Orleans' Superdome.

The Queens native has working hard lately. Headlining two shows complete with star-studded guest appearances at this year's Coachella, a documentary on his iconic debut album, Illmatic screening at the Tribeca Film Festival along with a slew of media for the album's 20th anniversary has him just about everywhere these days. And somewhere in the midst of the traveling and walking red carpets he's managed to start working on his next album.

The other nights of the fest will be packed as well. Prince is on deck as the headliner for July 4. The rest of the Essence shows will include a range of stars including Trey Songz, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and The Roots, Sevyn Streeter, Elle Varner, August Alsina, Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, K. Michelle and Robert Glasper.

Essence won't be the only time that Nas and The Roots will share a stage in the coming months. They both were recently announced to be a joint set at this year's Boston Calling Festival this September.