Event Recap & Photos: Essence Festival Day 1 Featuring Maxwell, Jill Scott, Brandy, LL Cool J, Chrisette Michele, Raheem DeVaughn

Check out our photos from day 1 of the 2013 Essence Music Festival. The show featured headlining performances on the main stage from Brandy, LL Cool J, Jill Scott and Maxwell, as well as Super Lounge performances from Blackstreet, Emeli Sande, Anthony David, Chrisette Michele, Mali Music, Deep Cotton, Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, Maya Azucena, Les Nubians, Simphiwe Dana, and Shamar Allen & the Underdawgs. After the performances, each of the artists spent some time posing for photos and taking questions in the press room. The night featured Brandy opening with an energetic hour long set, followed by LL Cool J, an extended hour and a half long set from Jill Scott and and Maxwell shutting it down with his smooth and sexy vocals.

Brandy