Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott performs on October 16, 2014 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for H&M
Missy Elliott's post-Super Bowl XLIX comeback marches forward as the rapper will make her Essence Festival debut when the annual event returns to New Orleans on July 2-5. Also just added to the lineup is fellow Grammy Award-winner Usher, who last headlined the festival's main stage in 2011.

Both artists join a previously announced Essence Festival roster that includes Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Common, Kevin Hart and Erykah Badu. Hosting the festival weekend will be comedians Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Luenell. Additional information is available on Essence.com/festival.