Kanye West will headline this year’s Essence Music Festival.

Scheduled for July 1-3 in New Orleans’ Louisiana Superdome, West will be joined by such R&B superstars as Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Macy Gray, Mavis Staples and Tank, among others. Old school legend, MC Lyte will also be rocking the stage during the three day concert event.

"Our mission this year was to celebrate community through the prism of the art form that continues to tell our reader's stories: R&B," Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. said in a statement. "From the Main Stage to the Super Lounge, we've assembled an unforgettable roster of talent who provide a snapshot of this music's ability to connect with audiences unlike few genres. Stay tuned. We have additional names to come.  This is going to be an Essence Music Festival that attendees will talk about for a long time!"

This isn’t the only festival that Ye will be headlining this year. Alongside Nas and Lauryn Hill  Yeezy will be playing the 12th Annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival from April 15-17 at California’s Empire Polo Fields.

For more information on the 2011 Essence Music Fest and to purchase tickets fans can visit here. —Michael Naclerio

More From XXL