Real Name: Erica Abi Wright

Aliases: Ms. Badu, Badulla Oblongata, Sara Bellum

BORN:

Feb 26, 1971

AGE:

53

NET WORTH:

$10 million

HEIGHT:

5'4

BIO

Erykah Badu is one of the most acclaimed singer/songwriters to emerge in the last 25 years. After performing in shows at the local Dallas Theater Center, Badu's demo caught the attention of music producer Kedar Massenburg in 1996. He signed her to Motown Records and paired her with D'Angelo to record the song "Your Precious Love." Badu's debut album, Baduizm, was released in 1997 with soulful hits such as "On & On," "Next Lifetime" and "Otherside of Game." The album marked a shift in the music of its time and helped begin what was labeled a "neo-soul" movement. Badu followed up with critically acclaimed albums including Mama's Gun, Worldwide Underground and her New Amerykah series.

PROPS

She’s a practicing doula
Her classic song “Tyrone” was completely improvised
She traced her lineage to the Cameroon people
She’s been a vegan since 2006
She’s considered one of the leading figures of the “neo-soul” movement

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Top Erykah Badu Questions

How many children does Erykah Badu have?

Erykah Badu has three kids: Seven Sirius Benjamin (born to André 3000 in 1997); Puma Sabti Curry (born to The D.O.C. in 2004); and Mars Merkaba Thedford (born to Jay Electronica in 2009).

What collective was Erykah Badu a part of?

Erykah Badu was a core member of the Soulquarians along with Questlove, J Dilla, D'Angelo, James Poyser, Common and others.

Can Erykah Badu really DJ?

Of course! She DJ’s all around and she showcased her skills on the R&B cypher at the 2018 Soul Train Music Awards.

How many Grammys has Erykah Badu won?

Erykah Badu has won a total of 4 Grammys, including Best R&B Song in 2003 ("Love of My Life") and Best R&B Album in 1998 (Baduizm).

What college did Erykah Badu attend?

Erykah Badu studied quantum physics at Grambling University. She left to pursue her music career.

Who are Erykah Badu's influences?

Erykah Badu has cited Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as influences.

Erykah Badu

Real name: Erica Abi Wright

Aliases: Ms. Badu, Badulla Oblongata, Sara Bellum

André 3000 Pays Tribute To Erykah Badu While Presenting Her With Fashion Icon Award

News | Oct 30, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

André 3000, Erykah Badu & Their Son Seven Reunite For Rare Family Photo

André 3000, Erykah Badu & Their Son Seven Reunite For Rare Family Photo

News | Sep 26, 2024, 1:00 PM PDT

Erykah Badu Believes Lauryn Hill's 'Best Work' Is Still To Come Following New Album Hint

Erykah Badu Believes Lauryn Hill's 'Best Work' Is Still To Come Following New Album Hint

News | May 24, 2024, 10:30 AM PDT

Rapsody & Erykah Badu Deliver Ode To Late Night Lovin' On New Song '3:AM'

Rapsody & Erykah Badu Deliver Ode To Late Night Lovin' On New Song '3:AM'

News | May 3, 2024, 1:45 PM PDT

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Luh Tyler Follows Kodak Black By Flipping Erykah Badu Classic For New Freestyle

Luh Tyler Follows Kodak Black By Flipping Erykah Badu Classic For New Freestyle

News | Apr 25, 2024, 7:00 PM PDT

Beyoncé's Rep Throws Shade At '#Criticswithoutcredentials' Amid Erykah Badu Criticism

Beyoncé's Rep Throws Shade At '#Criticswithoutcredentials' Amid Erykah Badu Criticism

News | Mar 21, 2024, 12:30 PM PDT

Erykah Badu Once Again Insinuates That Beyoncé Copied Her Style

Erykah Badu Once Again Insinuates That Beyoncé Copied Her Style

News | Mar 21, 2024, 4:30 AM PDT

Rapsody Recruits Lil Wayne & Erykah Badu For New Album 'Please Don't Cry'

Rapsody Recruits Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu & More For New Album 'Please Don't Cry'

News | Mar 14, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

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Erykah Badu Proudly Flaunts Hairy Armpits In All-Natural Thirst Trap

Erykah Badu Proudly Flaunts Hairy Armpits In All-Natural Thirst Trap

News | Mar 4, 2024, 11:30 AM PST

Erykah Badu Turns Heads In Revealing Outfit While Debuting New Song With Rapsody

Erykah Badu Turns Heads In Revealing Outfit While Debuting New Song With Rapsody

News | Feb 26, 2024, 8:00 AM PST