Erykah Badu  

One of the most notable figures in female R&B and hip-hop, Erykah Badu is an accomplished singer and songwriter. Citing Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as her musical idols, Badu has transcended her inspirations to create a style and sound all her own.

Erica Abi Wright, known popularly as Erykah Badu, was born February 26, 1971 in Dallas, Texas. She attended Booker T Washington High for dance where she went by her nickname, Apples. Her ability to freestyle rap lyrics also earned her a spot in a female hip-hop band.

Badu pursued her secondary education at Grambling State University, but she never actually graduated. By 1993, she realized music was her full-time aspiration and put all her energy to that end. While her dream was in place, the bills insisted on piling up. She took on several jobs in order to make rent. These included teaching both drama and dance at South Dallas Cultural Center.

While she was busy with this job, she did manage to produce a nineteen song demo tape with the help of her cousin Robert Free Bradford. It made the rounds and finally earned the notice of Kedar Massenburg who was able to get Badu in contact with singing star D Angelo. They recorded the single “Your Precious Love,” and it wasn’t long before Badu had a solo recording contract with Universal Records.

Her debut album, entitled Baduizm, hit the shelves in 1997. Her sound was an instant hit the album buying community. Baduizm went to number two on the charts, and the single “On & On” helped propel her into mainstream stardom. She earned large critical acclaim for thoughtful lyrics combined with a jazzy, sultry sound reminiscent of greats such as Billie Holiday.

1997 also brought the birth of her son, Seven, with OutKast front man Andre Benjamin, sometimes known as Andre 3000. Although they remained involved throughout the 90s, the relationship eventually ended.

Her follow up album, Live, was another success. Additionally, she gained recognition for fruitful collaborations with artists such as the Roots. Taking a hiatus in order to focus on motherhood, Badu returned to the game in 2000. Mama’s Gun was noticeably earthier than her previous work, but it managed to soar easily into its platinum status.

In the first few years of the new millennium, Badu and hip-hop star Common became romantically and professionally involved. Their duo, “Love of My Life,” earned Badu her fourth Grammy Award.

After such a productive time, Badu fell silent. Her next album wouldn’t come until 2003 with Worldwide Underground. Sales were not as impressive, but it still garnered her four Grammy nominations. 2005 brought the birth of her daughter, Puma, and the next few years would again be focused on her role as a mother.

Badu has announced three new albums are in various stages of production, set to be released over 2007 and 2008.

She is also noted for her brief stint in acting. Her onscreen debut came in 1998 with Blues Brothers 2000 opposite Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman. The following year, she took a bit part with Charlize Theron, Tobey Maguire, and Michael Caine in Cider House Rules. Her last role came in 2004 with the David Duchovny directed House of D starring Robin Williams and Tea Leoni.

Badu is also heavily involved in bringing the arts to inner-city youth with her charity BLIND, Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development.