AceShowbiz -

Lil' Kim pulls the plug on her scheduled performance at this weekend's Essence Festival. She was supposed to perform with P. Diddy and his Bad Boy crew at the New Orleans event, but has been forced to drop out at the last minute.

"It's with much regret that we announce that multi-platinum selling recording artist, Lil' Kim will not be performing with Puff Daddy and Her Family at this year's Essence Music Festival due to unfilled business obligations," her rep announces.

"She's saddened by this news but matters are not within her control. Lil' Kim would like to thank Essence for the opportunity and her fans for their continued support of the Lil' Kim brand and looks forward to being at next year's Essence Music Festival in 2017."

P. Diddy and his Family including Faith Evans and French Montana are still expected to rock the Essence. The festivity will also feature the likes of Mariah Carey and Kendrick Lamar while Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton will deliver speeches.

Despite canceling the weekend festival, Lil' Kim is still scheduled to join Diddy at the Bad Boy Reunion Tour this August. "[Lil' Kim] will continue to release more hot music so stay tuned as it's Lil' Kim Season," the female rapper's representative concludes.