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 Proclaims Her Family To Be “The Hip Hop Incredibles"

Erykah Badu Proclaims Her Family To Be “The Hip Hop Incredibles"

News | Jul 7, 2019, 1:58 PM PDT

50 Cent Calls Common “The Male Vivica Fox" Over Latest Erykah Badu Confession

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Erykah Badu Demands Apology From "Surviving R. Kelly" Producer

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No, Erykah Badu Is Not Pregnant With Butterfly's Love Child

No, Erykah Badu Is Not Pregnant With Butterfly's Love Child

News | Nov 14, 2018, 2:21 PM PST

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Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Thundercat & Flea Among Those Mourning Trumpeter Roy Hargrove

Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Thundercat & Flea Among Those Mourning Trumpeter Roy Hargrove

News | Nov 3, 2018, 2:39 PM PDT

Chika Ethers BET For Faulty Hip Hop Awards Cypher Edit

Chika Ethers BET For Faulty Hip Hop Awards Cypher Edit

News | Oct 20, 2018, 11:43 AM PDT

Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Maxwell & More On Board For "Protest Kavanaugh" Rally

Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Maxwell & More On Board For "Protest Kavanaugh" Rally

News | Oct 2, 2018, 11:55 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Sings "Baduizm" Classic For NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series

Erykah Badu Sings "Baduizm" Classic For NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series

News | Aug 15, 2018, 10:34 AM PDT

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Jay Electronica Lip-Syncs Drake's "Feel No Ways" To An Unamused Erykah Badu

Jay Electronica Lip-Syncs Drake's "Feel No Ways" To An Unamused Erykah Badu

News | Jul 24, 2018, 10:11 AM PDT

Instagram Flexin: Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Shut Down Stormi Paternity Rumors

Instagram Flexin: Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott Shut Down Stormi Paternity Rumors

Editorials | May 20, 2018, 8:20 AM PDT