EW freelancer Cynthia Joyce concludes her reporting from the weekends Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Read her first dispatch here.
They say [Memphis] Beale Street is the new Bourbon Street its not even close.
Credit: Skip Bolen/WireImage.com
Seeing the equally impressive Mary J. Blige (pictured) the next night was a study in contrasts.
Im so proud of you, she told the audience, and evidently, the feeling was mutual.
In the end weheaded for the crowded Coca-Cola lounge for some fried chicken andfreestyling by Common, who killed.
I dont know if its thebaby or what, the soul singer told reporters afterward.
I have neverbeen in touch with my audience like I was tonight.
(Youre still a pioneer even if fewfollowed in your tracks, right?)
