Back Stage at Essence Music Festival 2010

It goes without saying, although I'll say it anyway, one of the highlights of being on the press junket for the Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola is having access to the concerts.  But aside from being able to see Janet Jackson blow up the Louisiana Superdome, Mary J. Blige steal the show on the last night of the festival or LL Cool J "rock the bells" like we were back in the 80's, I also had the pleasure of being able to ask questions in the press room of some of my favorite artists who were performing during the music festival.

Over and over again, one theme seemed to ring true for everyone that was interviewed.  Each person talked about giving back to our community and reaching back for the younger generation of musicians.  In the clip below, Gladys Knight talks about the significance of this year's 40th Anniversary of Essence Magazine and her new business venture.



For the ladies... the coolness of LL Cool J on giving back and his new distribution deal...



Raphael Saadiq talks about being a mentor and a good role model...