Brunch on Sundays: A Legendary Close to Essence Weekend with Nas
- Shemariah Pradia
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
There’s nothing quite like Essence Weekend in New Orleans — and this year, it wrapped up with a vibe so iconic it’s still echoing through the city. On Sunday, July 6th, Hip-Hop legend Nas hosted the exclusive Brunch on Sundays, bringing together some of the biggest names in music, film, and culture for an afternoon that was equal parts celebration and community.
Set inside the breathtaking StudioBE, this wasn’t just any brunch — it was a feast for the senses. Founded by New Orleans artist Brandan “BMike” Odums, StudioBE is a 36,000-square-foot gallery that’s become a landmark for creativity, activism, and art that speaks to the soul. Surrounded by walls that tell stories of resilience, freedom, and Black excellence, guests mingled, laughed, and toasted to life — and birthdays!
The star power in the room was undeniable. Guests like Lance Gross, AJ, Juvenile, Jermaine Dupri, Jfonz, Chris Tucker, Shaka Zulu, and more pulled up to make this Sunday brunch one for the books. Conversations flowed, the vibe was unmatched, and Hennessy made sure every glass raised was something special — with custom-crafted drinks curated just for the occasion.
As if the brunch wasn’t enough, the day was only getting started. Nas, the Hip-Hop icon whose storytelling has inspired generations, took the stage later that night, closing out Essence Weekend with a performance that reminded everyone exactly why he’s still at the top of his game.
Where Art, Culture & Community Collide
Hosting an event like this at StudioBE was no accident — it was a statement. Since its doors opened in 2016, StudioBE has been more than just a gallery. It’s the final part of BMike’s powerful “BE Trilogy,” and in just seven years it has become a cultural beacon for New Orleans — a place where artists, visionaries, and the community come together to imagine and build a better tomorrow.
StudioBE’s impact goes even deeper through its nonprofit arm, Eternal Seeds, which equips young and emerging artists with the inspiration, education, and empowerment they need to become the creative leaders and change-makers of the future. It’s proof that art doesn’t just live on walls — it lives in every person who walks through StudioBE’s doors.
A Sunday to Remember
With Hennessy-crafted drinks in hand and Nas dropping bars that reminded us all why he’s a living legend, Brunch on Sundays at StudioBE was a reminder that New Orleans is — and always will be — a city where art, music, and culture collide in the most magical ways.
Want to learn more about StudioBE and Eternal Seeds?
Visit eternalseeds.com or stop by StudioBE at 2941 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 — where imagination paints the blueprint for a brighter tomorrow.
Contact StudioBE:
2941 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117
504-252-0463 | info@studiobenola.com
