Superstars Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown have all signed on to headline the Essence Music Festival -- one of the most popular and longstanding urban music events -- which will take place July 4-6 in New Orleans. Jill Scott, Chris Rock, The Time, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly are also set to perform.

"This past year has been amazing for these talented performers and our audience will be thrilled to welcome them home for the ultimate Fourth of July weekend party," Essence Communications' President Michelle Ebanks said in a statement.

Last year's headliners, which included Beyonce, Blige, Ne-Yo, Common and Ciara, drew approximately 200,000 people to the Big Easy for the event's return to New Orleans.