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 Explains Meaning Behind ‘Unfollow Me’ Tour Name

Erykah Badu Explains Meaning Behind ‘Unfollow Me’ Tour Name

News | Jun 11, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

Mos Def May Have To Forfeit Erykah Badu Tour Money To Child's Mother

Mos Def May Have To Forfeit Erykah Badu Tour Money To Child's Mother

News | Jun 4, 2023, 3:00 PM PDT

Erykah Badu Asks Universe To ‘Do Its Thing’ As She Takes Aim At ‘Trash’ Blueface

Erykah Badu Asks Universe To ‘Do Its Thing’ As She Takes Aim At ‘Trash’ Blueface

News | Jun 3, 2023, 11:30 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Lands Cameo In New Samuel L. Jackson & John David Washington Flick

Erykah Badu Lands Cameo In New Samuel L. Jackson & John David Washington Flick

News | May 30, 2023, 5:00 PM PDT

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Questlove, Erykah Badu & More Mourn Death Of Tina Turner As Singer Dies Aged 83

Questlove, Erykah Badu & More Pay Tribute To Tina Turner As Singer Dies Aged 83

News | May 24, 2023, 4:30 PM PDT

Erykah Badu & Yasiin Bey Join Forces For U.S. Tour

Erykah Badu & Yasiin Bey Join Forces For U.S. Tour

News | Apr 17, 2023, 1:30 PM PDT

Erykah Badu On Right-Wing Politicians Using 'Woke': 'It’s Just Another Way To Say Thug'

Erykah Badu On Right-Wing Politicians Using 'Woke': 'It’s Just Another Way To Say Thug'

News | Mar 29, 2023, 9:00 PM PDT

Madlib Gives Update On Mac Miller Album & Teases Erykah Badu Project

Madlib Gives Update On Mac Miller Album & Teases Erykah Badu Project

News | Mar 28, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

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Erykah Badu Isn't Ashamed To Have Multiple Baby Daddies

Erykah Badu Pushes Back Against Stigma Of Having Multiple Baby Daddies

News | Feb 22, 2023, 11:28 AM PST

Erykah Badu Addresses Rumors About Her ‘Mystical’ Bedroom Powers

Erykah Badu Addresses Rumors About Her ‘Mystical’ Bedroom Powers

News | Feb 16, 2023, 11:23 AM PST