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

Erykah Badu Shares How The Real "Ms. Jackson" Felt About Outkast's Apologetic Hit

Erykah Badu Shares How The Real "Ms. Jackson" Felt About Outkast's Apologetic Hit

News | Nov 25, 2016, 9:58 PM PST

Erykah Badu Was "Intimidated" Working With D.R.A.M.

Erykah Badu Was "Intimidated" Working With D.R.A.M.

News | Nov 23, 2016, 3:01 PM PST

Erykah Badu Revisits "Baduizm" For Live New York Times Performance

Erykah Badu Revisits "Baduizm" For Live New York Times Performance

Videos | Nov 22, 2016, 7:30 AM PST

Tweets Is Watching: Erykah Badu Challenges Rick Ross

Tweets Is Watching: Erykah Badu Challenges Rick Ross

Editorials | Nov 20, 2016, 6:00 AM PST

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#FOMOBlog: Erykah Badu Tells Us To Be "Smart, Strategic & Woke" At Tyler, The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival

#FOMOBlog: Erykah Badu Tells Us To Be "Smart, Strategic & Woke" At Tyler, The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival

Editorials | Nov 14, 2016, 1:13 PM PST

Tweets Is Watching: Nipsey Hussle Responds To 76ers Banning Sevyn Streeter From Singing The National Anthem

Tweets Is Watching: Nipsey Hussle Responds To 76ers Banning Sevyn Streeter From Singing The National Anthem

Editorials | Oct 30, 2016, 6:30 AM PDT

Instagram Flexin’: Lil Uzi Vert Is Flossin’ A New Grill & Chain

Instagram Flexin’: Lil Uzi Vert Is Flossin’ A New Grill & Chain

Editorials | Oct 29, 2016, 6:30 AM PDT

Apple Music's Carl Chery Reveals Erykah Badu Knew D.R.A.M. Was "The Truth"

Apple Music's Carl Chery Reveals Erykah Badu Knew D.R.A.M. Was "The Truth"

News | Oct 21, 2016, 1:52 PM PDT

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Tweets Is Watching: Nicki Minaj Salutes Michelle Obama

Tweets Is Watching: Nicki Minaj Salutes Michelle Obama

Editorials | Oct 15, 2016, 2:25 PM PDT

Watch Nas & Erykah Badu Perform "This Bitter Land" On Kimmel

Watch Nas & Erykah Badu Perform "This Bitter Land" On Kimmel

Videos | Oct 14, 2016, 11:49 AM PDT