As the 2012 Essence Music Festival kicked off in New Orleans this weekend, celebs flocked to the stage, the audience and all around the city for big music, good food and more.

Not everybody got rave reviews (D'Angelo), but we've got the pics and performances from Mr. "Untitled" and Keyshia Cole inside for you to judge...

Folks weren't too impressed with D'Angelo's hour and 15 minute set it seems.  With folks on the net reporting it was an underwhelming performance, it wasn't horrible.  TheYBF.com was on the scene--and really only noticed that D'Angelo and his crew must have been having a good ol time backstage with something rolled up or in their cups.  Because, yeah...

Check out his performances of "How Does It Feel" & "Sh*t Damn MuthaFu*er":

Keyshia singing her new track "I Had Enough of No Love":

And MJB performed Saturday night while interlacing her set with a cover of Chaka Khan's "Aint Nobody" and Charlie Wilson's "Outstanding."

Peep the gallery of photos below--and check back for updates as tonight is the last night of performances!

The Randomness:

1.  Video footage of NFL star Adrian Peterson's arrest this weekend is HERE.