Erykah Badu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Erykah Badu
Badu in 2011
Born	Erica Abi Wright (1971-02-26) February 26, 1971 (age 54) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Education	Booker T. Washington High School Grambling State University
Occupation	Singer-songwriter record producer DJ actress
Years active	1994–present
Works	Discography
Partner(s)	André 3000 (1996–1999) The D.O.C. (2003–2004) Jay Electronica (2004–2009)
Children	3
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	R&B neo soul psychedelic soul conscious hip hop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Control Freaq Motown Kedar Universal Empire

Erica Abi Wright, known to the world as Erykah Badu, is a famous American singer and songwriter. She is known for her unique mix of R&B, soul, and hip hop. In the late 1990s, her first album, Baduizm, made her a star in the neo soul music scene. Because of her impact, music critics often call her the "Queen of Neo Soul."

Her journey to fame started in 1994 when she opened a show for the singer D'Angelo. A record label executive named Kedar Massenburg was so impressed that he signed her to his company. This led to her hit album Baduizm in 1997, which included popular songs like "On & On" and "Appletree". The album was a huge success.

Besides singing, Badu is also an actress. She has appeared in movies like Blues Brothers 2000 and The Cider House Rules. She is also known for her unique fashion style, especially her large and colorful headwraps.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas. Her mother raised her, her brother, and her sister. Her grandmothers often helped take care of them. At just four years old, she started singing and dancing at local theaters.

When she was 14, she was already performing on a local radio station. As a teenager, she changed the spelling of her name from "Erica" to "Erykah." She felt "Erykah" was a more powerful name. She chose "Badu" as her last name because it was her favorite sound in jazz scat singing.

After high school, she studied theater at Grambling State University. However, she left in 1993 to focus on her music career. To support herself, she worked several jobs, including teaching drama and dance to children. She and her cousin recorded a demo tape that caught the attention of music executive Kedar Massenburg, who signed her to a record deal.

Career Highlights

The Queen of Neo-Soul: Baduizm and Live

Badu's first album, Baduizm, came out in 1997. It was a huge hit, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 music chart. The album's success made Badu a leading artist in the new neo soul genre. Many people compared her singing style to the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. For this album, Badu won two Grammy Awards.

Later that year, she released a live album called Live. It was recorded while she was expecting her first child. The album included the famous song "Tyrone", where she sings about a selfish boyfriend. This album was also very successful and sold over two million copies.

In 1999, she worked with the band the Roots on the song "You Got Me". The song was a hit and won a Grammy Award.

Exploring New Sounds: Mama's Gun and Worldwide Underground

Badu backstage in Hamburg, Germany, in 2002

After taking a break to raise her son, Badu released her second album, Mama's Gun, in 2000. This album had a more natural, "organic" sound. The single "Bag Lady" was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album was praised for its thoughtful lyrics.

In 2003, she released her third album, Worldwide Underground. This album was more like a long, continuous jam session. It featured the hit song "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)", which won her another Grammy Award. The album was certified gold, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S.

A New America: Two-Part Album Series

Badu in 2005

Badu's fourth album, New Amerykah Part One, was released in 2008. This album was more political and explored serious topics like poverty and social issues in the African-American community. It was a success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2010, she released New Amerykah Part Two. This album was more personal and focused on love and relationships. It featured the single "Window Seat". The music video for this song was filmed in Dealey Plaza in Dallas, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The video caused a lot of discussion because she walked through the public space as a form of protest.

Mixtapes and Modern Projects

In 2015, Badu released a mixtape called But You Caint Use My Phone. The project was inspired by the rapper Drake's song "Hotline Bling". The mixtape was released on her own record label and was praised by critics. It reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Since then, Badu has continued to tour and work with other artists. She has been featured on songs by artists like Teyana Taylor, RM of the band BTS, and Flying Lotus. In 2025, she announced a new album called Abi & Alan, produced by The Alchemist.

Musical Style and Influences

Badu in Bruges, Belgium in 2006

Erykah Badu's music is a blend of R&B, 1970s soul, and 1980s hip hop. Her unique sound helped create the neo soul genre. Her voice is often compared to the famous jazz singer Billie Holiday.

Much of her music is inspired by her personal beliefs and her connection to her African heritage. Her lyrics often explore deep themes like love, social issues, and self-discovery. For example, Mama's Gun deals with personal feelings and relationships, while New Amerykah Part One focuses on social problems.

Acting and Other Projects

Badu with activists at an awards banquet in Dallas, Texas

Besides her music career, Erykah Badu is also a talented actress. She has appeared in several films, including Blues Brothers 2000 and The Cider House Rules. For her role in The Cider House Rules, she received several award nominations.

Badu is also involved in fashion. She has been the face of campaigns for famous designers like Tom Ford and Givenchy. She has also worked as a stylist for New York Fashion Week.

She is also an activist in her hometown of South Dallas. In 1997, she started a charity called B.L.I.N.D. to help inner-city youth through arts programs. The charity works to bring the community together through music, dance, and theater.

Legacy and Impact

Erykah Badu is often called "the first lady of neo-soul."

Erykah Badu is known as "the first lady of neo-soul" or "the queen of neo-soul." Her first album, Baduizm, was very important in making the neo-soul genre popular in the 1990s.

Her music has influenced many artists who came after her. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked her at number 115 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. She is celebrated for her creativity, unique style, and powerful voice.

Personal Life

Erykah Badu has three children. Her first son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, was born in 1997. His father is André 3000 from the hip-hop group OutKast. In 2004, she had a daughter named Puma Sabti Curry with rapper The D.O.C. Her third child, a daughter named Mars Merkaba Thedford, was born in 2009. Her father is rapper Jay Electronica.

Badu became a vegan in 2006, meaning she does not eat any animal products. She believes that "vegan food is soul food in its truest form."

Discography

Studio albums

• Baduizm (1997)
• Mama's Gun (2000)
• Worldwide Underground (2003)
• New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008)
• New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010)
• Abi & Alan (with The Alchemist) (2025)

Live albums

• Live (1997)

Mixtape

• Feel Better World! ... Love, Ms. Badu (Various Artists) (2015)
• But You Caint Use My Phone (2015)

Tours

• Baduizm World Tour (1997–98)
• Mama's Gun World Tour (2001–02)
• Frustrated Artist Tour (2003)
• Worldwide Underground Tour (2004)
• Sugar Water Festival (2005)
• Summer Tour (2006)
• Dave Chappelle/Badu tour (2007)
• The Vortex World Tour (2008)
• Jam Tour (2009)
• Out My Mind, Just in Time World Tour (2010)
• Live from Badubotron Tour (2021–22)
• Unfollow Me Tour (2023)

Filmography

Television

Films

Images for kids

• 

  Erykah Badu at Umbria Jazz in 2012

• 

  Badu in street art in Sutton, Greater London, England

See also

In Spanish: Erykah Badu para niños

• Neo soul
• Honorific nicknames in popular music