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

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

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

Kendrick Lamar Weeknd

Instagram Flexin’: Kendrick Lamar Brings Out J. Cole On The DAMN. Tour

Editorials | Jul 29, 2017, 6:30 AM PDT

Tweets Is Watching: Kim Kardashian Praises Rihanna’s Outfit At The #MetGala

Tweets Is Watching: Kim Kardashian Praises Rihanna’s Outfit At The #MetGala

Editorials | May 7, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

Tweets Is Watching: Drake Endorses Chance The Rapper For Mayor Of Chicago

Tweets Is Watching: Drake Endorses Chance The Rapper For Mayor Of Chicago

Editorials | Apr 9, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

Will The Hyper-Sexualized Female MCs Always Be The Queens Of Rap?

Will The Hyper-Sexualized Female MCs Always Be The Queens Of Rap?

Editorials | Mar 31, 2017, 5:10 PM PDT

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Snapchat Jumpin’: DJ Khaled Speaks On Drake’s “More Life”

Snapchat Jumpin’: DJ Khaled Speaks On Drake’s “More Life”

Editorials | Mar 11, 2017, 6:00 AM PST

DX Digest: Gucci Mane & 2 Chainz Pour On The Charm With "Good Drank" & Kanye West Dreams Big With "Bed Yeezy Season 5"

DX Digest: Gucci Mane & 2 Chainz Pour On The Charm With "Good Drank" & Kanye West Dreams Big With "Bed Yeezy Season 5"

News | Feb 28, 2017, 3:41 PM PST

"Moonlight" Director Barry Jenkins Teams Up With The Chopstars For "Purple Moonlight" Mixtape

"Moonlight" Director Barry Jenkins Teams Up With The Chopstars For "Purple Moonlight" Mixtape

News | Feb 27, 2017, 7:33 PM PST

DX Digest: Future Mingles With Femme Fatale In "Draco" Video & THEY. Bring The "Silence"

DX Digest: Future Mingles With Femme Fatale In "Draco" Video & THEY. Bring The "Silence"

News | Feb 22, 2017, 1:09 PM PST

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Erykah Badu Shows Off Trap Music Prowess With Playlist For 2 Chainz

Erykah Badu Shows Off Trap Music Prowess With Playlist For 2 Chainz

News | Feb 10, 2017, 3:50 PM PST

The Top 10 Hip Hop Singles & Videos Of The Week: Chris Brown, Big Sean & The Breakdown

The Top 10 Hip Hop Singles & Videos Of The Week: Chris Brown, Big Sean & The Breakdown

News | Dec 24, 2016, 1:47 PM PST