When Jermaine Dupri announced he would be honoring Quincy Jones at Essence Festival 2025, the music world knew it would be a celebration to remember. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Quincy Jones has influenced generations of artists, producers, and fans. And who better to lead a tribute than Grammy-winning producer and music mogul Jermaine Dupri?
Held annually in New Orleans, the Essence Festival of Culture is more than just a music event it’s a cultural celebration that honors Black excellence in music, art, film, and activism. This year, Essence Festival’s tribute to Quincy Jones is set to be one of its most emotional and powerful moments.
Why Jermaine Dupri Is Honoring Quincy Jones
A Musical Legacy Passed Down
Jermaine Dupri honoring Quincy Jones isn’t just a headline it’s a full-circle moment in Black music history. Both men are Atlanta legends. Both are producers who shaped the sound of their generations. Dupri grew up watching Quincy’s influence on the industry and has long credited him as a mentor and blueprint for success.
Dupri said in a recent interview, “There is no me without Quincy. He’s the reason I even thought a Black man could run the business, make the music, and change the world. This tribute is personal.”
Quincy Jones: A Giant in the Music Industry
It’s impossible to overstate what Quincy Jones has done for music. From his early days as a jazz musician to producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, Quincy has done it all.
Career Highlights of Quincy Jones:
- Produced Michael Jackson’s iconic albums: Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad
- Composed music for over 30 films
- Won 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations
- Founded Qwest Records
- Helped launch the careers of countless artists, from Tevin Campbell to Will Smith
He’s not just a producer; he’s a visionary.
Jermaine Dupri’s Vision for the Tribute
A Live Celebration of Quincy’s Greatest Hits
Jermaine Dupri, known for producing hits for Usher, Mariah Carey, and Bow Wow, is crafting the tribute with deep respect for Quincy’s legacy. The performance will highlight Jones’ most beloved songs, cinematic compositions, and collaborations.
Dupri has promised a “musical journey through the genius of Quincy Jones”, and fans are excited.
He told Essence, “We’re going to take people from the jazz clubs of Chicago to the studio with Michael Jackson. It’s going to be emotional, energetic, and unforgettable.”
Full List of Performers Honoring Quincy Jones
This year’s Essence Festival tribute will feature an all-star lineup of artists across generations, genres, and styles. Here’s the confirmed list of performers for the Quincy Jones tribute, curated by Jermaine Dupri:
R&B and Soul Legends:
- Patti LaBelle – Longtime friend and collaborator of Quincy
- Chaka Khan – Performing “I’ll Be Good to You”
- Babyface – With a smooth medley of Quincy’s romantic ballads
Modern Hitmakers:
- Usher – Performing “Rock with You” in honor of Michael and Quincy’s collaboration
- Alicia Keys – Singing a powerful rendition of “Human Nature”
- John Legend – On piano for a soulful version of “The Secret Garden”
Hip-Hop Icons:
- LL Cool J – Hosting a segment on Quincy’s influence on hip-hop
- Ludacris – Performing a tribute rap inspired by Jones’ career
- Missy Elliott – Bringing the energy to highlight Quincy’s innovation
Jazz and Instrumental Artists:
- Herbie Hancock – Live jazz interlude
- Terrace Martin – Modern jazz interpretation of Quincy’s early work
- Esperanza Spalding – Bass and vocals in an acoustic segment
Surprise Guests:
Rumors suggest there may be surprise appearances by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, or even Oprah Winfrey to honor Quincy’s work beyond music.
Essence Festival 2025: More Than a Tribute
While Jermaine Dupri honoring Quincy Jones is a major highlight, the Essence Festival lineup is stacked with performances, panels, and experiences celebrating Black culture.
Key Headliners for Essence Festival 2025:
- Megan Thee Stallion
- SZA
- Kendrick Lamar
- Victoria Monét
- Teyana Taylor
- H.E.R.
- Maxwell
Each night features a theme, and the Quincy Jones tribute night is titled “The Blueprint: Soundtracks of Black Excellence.”
Behind the Scenes: Rehearsals, Emotions, and Tributes
In the days leading up to the tribute, performers have taken to social media to share emotional rehearsal moments. Alicia Keys posted a video saying, “This isn’t just a show—it’s a gift to a legend.”
Usher tweeted, “Without Quincy Jones, there’s no ‘Confessions,’ no Jermaine, no me. Honored to be part of this.”
Dupri has been hands-on, working with every artist, tweaking musical arrangements, and ensuring each performance reflects Quincy’s impact.
The Cultural Significance of This Tribute
This event is more than music—it’s about legacy, culture, and respect. Essence Festival has always been a platform to uplift Black voices, and honoring Quincy Jones at this level is a powerful reminder of the greatness that has shaped modern music.
By choosing Jermaine Dupri to curate the tribute, Essence is highlighting a torch-passing moment—one producer legend honoring another, bridging generations of music lovers.
What to Expect During the Tribute
The tribute is expected to last nearly 90 minutes, with:
- Live performances from 20+ artists
- Video montages of Quincy’s film and music history
- Cameos from celebrities who’ve worked with Quincy
- A final group performance of “We Are the World,” which Quincy famously produced
Fans React: Excitement Across Social Media
Fans are already calling this “the moment of the year” for Black music.
Comments from fans:
“Jermaine Dupri honoring Quincy Jones? That’s Black music royalty giving flowers to the King!” — @QueenMelody
“Essence Fest really about to be historic. Quincy deserves ALL of this love.” — @BlackCultureVibes
“I’m buying tickets just for that night alone!” — @JazzSoulSister
Where and When to Watch
The tribute will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It will also be live-streamed on Hulu and broadcast highlights will air on BET and OWN the following week.
Tickets are available on the Essence Festival website, and VIP packages for the Quincy Jones tribute are already sold out.
Final Thoughts: Honoring the Master, Led by His Protegé
In many ways, Jermaine Dupri honoring Quincy Jones at Essence Festival is not just a tribute—it’s a celebration of music’s power to bring people together. It’s about legacy, love, and the brilliance of Black creativity.
For younger audiences, it’s a chance to learn about Quincy Jones’ unmatched impact. For older fans, it’s a moment to reflect on how one man helped shape the soundtrack of their lives.
As Jermaine Dupri puts it, “This is about more than one night. This is about making sure the world remembers the genius of Quincy Jones forever.”
Read Next – Foo Fighters New Music 2025: Comeback After Grohl Scandal, Celebrating 30 Years of Rock
