Erykah Badu Parents, Siblings, Relatives, Family Background

Erykah Badu Biography

Erykah Badu, whose birth name is Erica Abi Wright, was born on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas. She is a talented singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress. With a career spanning from 1994 to the present, Badu has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry.

She has been involved in various partnerships, including André 3000 from 1996 to 1997, Common from 2000 to 2002, The D.O.C. from 2003 to 2004, Jay Electronica from 2004 to 2009, and Carl Jones from 2013 to 2018. Badu has three children. Growing up in Dallas, Badu discovered her passion for music at a young age.

Guided by her godmother Gwen Hargrove and her uncle Curtis King, the founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, she honed her skills in singing and dancing. At just four years old, she began performing at the Dallas Theater Center, setting the stage for her future career.

Breakthrough with “Baduizm

In 1997, Badu released her debut album, “Baduizm,” which propelled her into the spotlight. The album’s unique blend of R&B, neo soul, and conscious hip hop resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

It debuted at number two on the Billboard charts and topped the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “On & On,” the lead single from the album, received Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.

Live Album and Collaborations

While pregnant with her son Seven, Badu recorded her first live album appropriately titled “Live.” The album, released in 1997, reached number four on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum.

During this time, she collaborated with artists such as The Roots and Eve, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for their song “You Got Me.”

Mama’s Gun and Worldwide Underground

After taking a hiatus to focus on motherhood, Badu returned in 2000 with her second studio album, “Mama’s Gun.” The album showcased a more organic sound and featured the hit single “Bag Lady,” which topped the R&B charts.

Badu’s collaborations with Common on “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)” and The Roots on “You Got Me” further solidified her status as a respected artist. In 2003, Badu released “Worldwide Underground,” an album with a jam-oriented sound that received critical praise.

It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and produced hit singles such as “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop).” The album showcased Badu’s ability to experiment with different musical styles.

Continued Success and Musical Exploration

Badu’s musical journey continued with the release of her albums “New Amerykah Part One” in 2008 and “New Amerykah Part Two” in 2010.

These albums further showcased her evolution as an artist, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and electronic music. The singles “Honey” and “Window Seat” gained popularity, cementing Badu’s position as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Mixtapes and Collaborations

In recent years, Badu has released mixtapes and collaborated with various artists. Her mixtape “But You Caint Use My Phone” in 2015 garnered positive reviews and debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200.

She has also collaborated with artists like Janelle Monáe, Tyler, The Creator, and Bilal, showcasing her versatility and artistic range.