(BPRW) THE SOUTHERN CROWN BRINGS LUDACRIS, T.I., RICK ROSS, BIG K.R.I.T., AND BIGXTTHAPLUG TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY FOR A HISTORIC MULTI-HEADLINER STADIUM CONCERT

Hip-Hop Icons come to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on May 9, 2026, joined by The Sonic Boom of the South to deliver a special performance at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium

(Black PR Wire) JACKSON, MS  — ESC 8 Enterprises today announced The Southern Crown, a multi-headliner stadium concert coming to Jackson State University’s Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The event will feature GRAMMY Award-winning rappers Ludacris and T.I., and GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rick Ross, with special guest performances from rising star BigXThaPlug and Mississippi’s own BIG K.R.I.T., plus a special performance from Jackson State’s legendary Sonic Boom of the South marching band.

The Southern Crown marks the next stop on Ludacris’s 25th anniversary celebration, a milestone year honoring one of the most decorated careers in Southern hip-hop history. Luda brings a quarter-century of hits to the heart of the South, delivering a set that spans every era of a career that changed the trajectory of the genre. From the moment he sold records out of the trunk of his car in Atlanta to GRAMMY stages, platinum plaques, and Hollywood blockbusters, Ludacris has never stopped repping the South.

More than a concert, the event is built to celebrate the artists, the music, and the culture that continues to shape the sound of the South.

With three multi-platinum selling headliners sharing one stage at one of the most storied HBCU campuses in the country, the night represents a first-of-its-kind event for the Jackson metro area and the broader Southeast region in partnership with EPIC HBCU Collective and Jackson State University.

“This lineup is Southern royalty on one stage,” said representatives for ESC 8 Enterprises. “Ludacris, T.I., and Rick Ross each helped define an era of hip-hop, pairing them with BigXThaPlug and BIG K.R.I.T. bridges generations. Having Luda bring his 25th anniversary celebration to an HBCU stadium in the heart of the South is exactly the kind of moment this event was made for.”

“Representing Mississippi has always been a priority throughout my career and I’ve always strived to put on for the South, no matter the stage I was on,” said critically acclaimed rapper, producer, and proud Mississippian,  BIG K.R.I.T. “I’m honored to come back to Mississippi and represent once again. This one’s for all my Country Folk!!!!! 3rdCoast Multi 4eva!!!”

ABOUT THE LINEUP

Ludacris is a GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and founder of Disturbing tha Peace Records. Now celebrating 25 years in the music industry, his catalog spans era-defining hits from “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Rollout” to “Stand Up” and “Area Codes.” Beyond music, Ludacris is a global entertainment figure known for his starring role in the Fast & Furious franchise. His 25th anniversary celebration arrives at The Southern Crown with the full weight of a career that helped reshape the genre and put the South on the map for good.

T.I. is a GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist, author, and cultural icon credited with pioneering the trap music movement. With seven studio albums debuting in the Billboard Top 5, T.I. is widely regarded as one of the most influential Southern rappers of all time.

Rick Ross is a GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rapper, mogul, and founder of Maybach Music Group whose larger-than-life presence and signature sound have made him a pillar of Southern hip-hop for nearly two decades. His discography includes multiple chart-topping albums and anthems that define the culture.

BigXThaPlug is one of the fastest-rising names in Southern rap, bringing raw energy and a devoted Gen Z fanbase to the bill. His inclusion bridges the generational gap on the lineup, connecting the legacy of the headliners with the next wave of Southern hip-hop.

BIG K.R.I.T. is a critically acclaimed rapper, producer, and proud Mississippian from Meridian. Known for his deeply soulful production and lyrical storytelling rooted in the Southern experience, K.R.I.T. brings the hometown connection to The Southern Crown.

The Sonic Boom of the South is Jackson State University’s world-renowned marching band, a cultural institution in their own right and the heartbeat of HBCU gameday culture. Their special performance adds an unmistakable layer of tradition and spectacle to the evening.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is a 50,000+ seat, concert-ready facility located on the campus of Jackson State University. As the home of JSU Tigers football and the Sonic Boom of the South, the stadium sits at the cultural center of one of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for The Southern Crown go on sale [Friday, March 27, 2026]. For ticket information, visit [https://www.jacksonhotevents.com/] or follow [@southerncrownlive] on Instagram, Facebook, and X for updates.

ABOUT ESC 8 ENTERPRISES

ESC 8 Enterprises LLC is a live entertainment and event production company specializing in large-scale concert experiences.

MEDIA CONTACT

Southern Crown Media Dept.

media@southerncrownlive.com

404.913.7097