Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, is a trailblazing figure in the neo-soul genre, known for her soulful music that blends elements of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Badu’s distinctive style, rich vocals, and thoughtful, often socially conscious lyrics have solidified her status as the "Queen of Neo-Soul." She emerged on the music scene with a bang in 1997 with her debut album "Baduizm," which was both a critical and commercial success, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and spawning hit singles like "On & On."

Beyond just her enchanting musical prowess, Badu is noted for her esoteric presentation and her profound influence on the rise of the neo-soul movement in the late 1990s. Following her debut, she released a string of successful albums that further established her legacy, including "Mama's Gun" (2000) and "Worldwide Underground" (2003). Badu continued to evolve as an artist with her ambitious "New Amerykah" series, "Part One (4th World War)" (2008) and "Part Two: Return of the Ankh" (2010), which showcased her experimental edge and commitment to addressing sociopolitical issues through her music. Even her mixtapes, like "But You Caint Use My Phone" (2015), showed her ability to adapt to newer musical trends while maintaining her unique sound. Known for her theatrical live performances and spiritual demeanor, Erykah Badu has left an indelible mark in the world of music and continues to influence a new generation of artists with her artistry and activism.

Genres

Afrofuturism

Alternative R&b

Neo Soul

R&b

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Meshell Ndegeocello

Latest Release

3:AM (feat. Erykah Badu) [Live]

Rapsody•

Erykah Badu

Single - Released July 19, 2024