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 + Robert Glasper To Perform At Colorado's Historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Erykah Badu + Robert Glasper To Perform At Colorado's Historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre

News | Mar 23, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

Erykah Badu's Daughter Impresses Alicia Keys' With 'If I Ain't Got You' Cover

Erykah Badu's Daughter Earns Alicia Keys' Approval With 'If I Ain't Got You' Cover

News | Feb 9, 2022, 7:24 AM PST

Erykah Badu Forced To Fend Off Age Critics After Revealing 27-Year-Old Fiancé

Erykah Badu Forced To Fend Off Age Critics After Revealing 27-Year-Old Fiancé

News | Dec 6, 2021, 3:17 PM PST

Erykah Badu Gets Gangster On Fan While Blessing Travis Scott & Astroworld's Lost 'Souls'

Erykah Badu Gets Gangster On Fan While Blessing Travis Scott & Astroworld's Lost 'Souls'

News | Nov 9, 2021, 3:45 PM PST

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Erykah Badu Invites George Floyd's Family Backstage During Concert

Erykah Badu Celebrates George Floyd's Birthday With His Family: 'Thank You For Your Spirit'

News | Oct 14, 2021, 10:49 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Gets Her Own SONOS Radio Station

Erykah Badu Promises To Take Fans 'Outta This World' With New Sonos Radio Station

News | Sep 30, 2021, 7:01 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Gifts Rihanna With Her 'Pussy' Perfume At 'Controversial' Savage x Fenty Show

Erykah Badu Gifts Rihanna With Her 'Pussy' Perfume At 'Controversial' Savage x Fenty Show

News | Sep 26, 2021, 9:26 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Apologizes For Her Behavior At Barack Obama's 60th Birthday Party

Erykah Badu Apologizes For Her Behavior At Barack Obama's 60th Birthday Party

News | Aug 13, 2021, 9:09 AM PDT

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Method Man & Redman, Non-Pregnant Young M.A To Perform At 2021 National Cannabis Festival

Method Man & Redman, Non-Pregnant Young M.A To Perform At 2021 National Cannabis Festival

News | Jul 21, 2021, 4:26 PM PDT

Dr. Dre, Eminem, The D.O.C. + Erykah Badu's Daughter Spark Collab Rumors With Epic Instagram Photo

Dr. Dre, Eminem, The D.O.C. + Erykah Badu's Daughter Spark Collab Rumors With Epic Instagram Photo

News | Jul 20, 2021, 8:38 AM PDT