McDonald’s Men of McCafé Celebrity Ambassadors NFL Star Isaac Keys, TBS’s Meet the Browns Lamann Rucker, 2011 McDonald’s 365Black Awards recipient Mary J. Blige and Lance Gross from TBS’s House of Payne.

Sponsors Coca-Cola, Mcdonald's, Procter And Gamble And Verizon Wireless Join Essence To Host Select National Media Outlets For Further Brand Exposure

With performances by award-winning and multi-platinum superstars Mary J. Blige,Kanye West, Jill Scott, Usher and Trey Songz, the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL will undoubtedly bring in thousands of consumers from across the country looking to experience the best in music and culture. While music is hallmark to this weekend-long celebration, in recent years the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL has become equally popular for its marquee brand activations and executions that allow top companies such as Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Procter and Gamble to engage and connect with African-American families.

The hilarious Kevin Hart kept the crowd laughing out loud as a Hollywood House Husband during the BET AWARDS '11 opening act with Bobby Brown, Jermaine Dupri, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, and Nick Cannon. Chris Brown's powerful performance medley of "She Ain't You," "Look at Me Now," and "Paper Scissor Rock" illustrated just why he was named the 2011 Best Male R&B Artist, Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice Award winner when he took to the stage in two performances collaborating with Busta Rhymes and Big Sean.  Later, a precocious Justin Bieber propositioned Nicki Minaj on stage when he said, "I'm all grown up now. I turn 18 next year so...what's up?"

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Foxx, among stars to headline December weekend of celebrity events in Philadelphia to enliven holidays for the needy, draw focus to hunger, homelessness and youth development

Music mogul and entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs, Grammy- and Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx and internationally renowned songstress Regina Belle are among the litany of stars converging on the city Dec. 16-19 to initiate the inaugural Joy to the World Fest.