Erykah Badu

Erica Abi Wright (born February 26, 1971),<ref name="allmusicbio">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> known professionally as Erykah Badu, is an American singer and songwriter. Influenced by R&B, soul, and hip hop,<ref name="allmusicbio" /> Badu rose to prominence in the late 1990s when her debut album Baduizm (1997), placed her at the forefront of the neo soul movement, earning her the nickname "Queen of Neo Soul" by music critics.

Badu's career began after opening a show for D'Angelo in 1994 in Fort Worth, which led to record label executive Kedar Massenburg signing her to Kedar Entertainment.<ref name="allmusicbio" /> Badu's first album, Baduizm, was released in February 11, 1997.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It spawned four singles: "On & On", "Appletree", "Next Lifetime" and "Otherside of the Game". The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref name="RIAA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Badu's first live album, Live, was released in November 1997, and contained her signature song "Tyrone" and was subsequently certified double platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA" />

Badu's second studio album, Mama's Gun, was released in 2000.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It spawned three singles: "Bag Lady", which became her first top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #6, "Didn't Cha Know?" and "Cleva". The album was certified platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA"/> Badu's third album, Worldwide Underground, was released in 2003.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It generated three singles: "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)", "Danger" and "Back in the Day (Puff)", with the first becoming her second song to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #9. The album was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA"/> Badu's fourth album, New Amerykah Part One, was released in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It spawned two singles: "Honey" and "Soldier". New Amerykah Part Two was released in 2010 and fared well both critically and commercially. It contained the album's lead single "Window Seat", which led to controversy.

Badu's voice has been compared to jazz singer Billie Holiday.<ref name="nytimes1997">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="nyrock1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="okayplayer1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for her style, which often included wearing very large and colorful headwraps. She was a core member of the Soulquarians. As an actress, she has played a number of supporting roles in movies including Blues Brothers 2000, The Cider House Rules and House of D. She also has appeared in the documentaries Before the Music Dies and The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975.

Early life

Erica Abi Wright was born in Dallas, Texas. Her mother raised her, her brother Eevin, and her sister alone after separating from their father, William Wright Jr. The children's maternal and paternal grandmothers often helped look after them. Badu began singing and dancing at the age of four at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) under the guidance of her godmother, Gwen Hargrove, and uncle TBAAL founder Curtis King.

By the age of 14, Badu was freestyling for a local radio station alongside artists such as Roy Hargrove. In her youth, she had decided to change the spelling of her first name from Erica to Erykah, as she believed her original name was a "slave name". The term "kah" signifies the inner self. She adopted the surname "Badu" because it is her favorite jazz scat sound; also, among the Akan people in Ghana, it is the term for the 10th-born child.<ref name="autogenerated1">Template:Cite news</ref>

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Badu went on to study theater at Grambling State University, a historically black university. She left the university in 1993 before graduating, to focus more fully on music. During this time, Badu took several minimum-wage jobs to support herself. She taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Working and touring with her cousin, Robert "Free" Bradford, she recorded a 19-song demo, Country Cousins, which attracted the attention of Kedar Massenburg. He set Badu up to record a duet with D'Angelo, "Your Precious Love", and eventually signed her to a record deal with Universal Records.<ref name="autogenerated1" />

Career

1997–1999: Baduizm and Live

Baduizm, Badu's debut album, was released in early 1997. The album met with critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard charts and number one on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> BaduizmTemplate:'s commercial and critical success helped establish Badu as one of the emerging neo soul genre's leading artists.<ref name="O'Donnell">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Her particular style of singing drew many comparisons to Billie Holiday.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Baduizm was certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, Gold by the British Phonographic Industry and the Canadian Recording Industry Association.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="BPI">[1] Template:Webarchive</ref><ref name="CRIA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The album produced four singles; the lead single "On & On" was released in December 1996,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and reached number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts and the UK Singles Charts, as well as making an appearance on the New Zealand charts.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The album and lead single also gave Badu her first nomination and win at the Grammy Awards, where "On & On" won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and the album won Best R&B Album.<ref name="nytimes1998">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="google1998">Template:Cite book</ref>

Badu recorded her first live album, Live, while pregnant with Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with his birth.<ref>[2] Template:Webarchive</ref> The album was released on November 18, 1997 and reached number four on the U.S. Billboard 200<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and number one on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The album was certified two times platinum by RIAA for shipments of over two million copies.<ref name="RIAA"/> The album's lead single, "Tyrone", was released in October 1997 and became another R&B hit single. "Tyrone", lyrically, is a song chiding a selfish, cheap, and inattentive boyfriend.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Badu also collaborated with the Roots (who had previously handled production duties on a number of tracks on Baduizm) on their breakthrough 1999 release Things Fall Apart. She was featured on the song "You Got Me", by The Roots and American women rapper Eve. Co-written by Jill Scott, the song peaked at 39 in the U.S. and 31 in the UK. The song went on to win The Roots and Badu a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999.<ref name=Grammy>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2000–2006: Mama's Gun and Worldwide Underground

File:Erykah badu-02-mika.jpg

Badu backstage in Hamburg, Germany, in 2002

After taking some time off to raise her child, Badu returned in 2000 with Mama's Gun. The album was characterized as more organic in sound than her previous studio album, and primarily produced by the Soulquarians and noted bassist Pino Palladino. A remix of one of the album's songs, "Bag Lady", was issued as the first single and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. The album was well-received, with the lyrical content winning notices from many publications. Reviewers found some of her lyrics hard to decipher on her initial releases.<ref>[3] Template:Webarchive</ref> Despite not charting as high as her first two albums, Mama's Gun was another platinum-selling success, and "Bag Lady" was nominated for a Grammy Award.

By 2000, Badu was in a romantic relationship with fellow Soulquarian Common. The two released "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" as a collaboration on the Brown Sugar soundtrack. "Love of My Life" hit #9 on the pop charts, topped the R&B listings, and in 2003 Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy Award for it.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2001 Badu embarked on the Mama's Gun World Tour. The tour started in North America on February 10 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Allen Theatre.<ref>badu targets dates for mama's gun tour Template:Webarchive, Billboard.com, January 25, 2001.</ref> After the release of Mama's Gun and "Love of My Life", Badu suffered writer's block.<ref>[4] Template:Webarchive</ref>

On September 16, 2003, she released her third studio album, Worldwide Underground. The album was more jam-oriented than any of her prior releases, and Badu said that the album was designed to be "one continuous groove."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Upon its release Worldwide Underground met with some criticism for its loose, unconventional structure and songwriting, but the album received generally positive reviews from critics.<ref name="Metacritic">Worldwide Underground (2003): Reviews Template:Webarchive. Metacritic. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> Commercially the album fared well and debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart in the week of October 4, 2003,<ref name="US">Template:Cite magazine</ref> selling 143,561 copies in its first week.<ref>Farber, Jim. Newsline: DMX's 'Champ's' a Champ, New York Daily News. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> Ultimately spending 11 weeks on the Billboard 200, it also entered at number two on BillboardTemplate:'s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and spent 30 weeks on the chart.<ref name="R&B">Chart History: Worldwide UndergroundTemplate:Dead link, Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> By December 2003, the album had sold 394,000 copies domestically.<ref>Badu Plans 'Underground' Tour Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> On October 28, 2003, Worldwide Underground was certified gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America, following sales in excess of 500,000 copies in the United States.<ref>Gold & Platinum – Searchable Database: Worldwide Underground Template:Webarchive. Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> According to Nielsen SoundScan, the album has sold 609,000 copies in the United States.<ref>Columnist. Badu Starts 'Nu' On Double-Disc Album Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref>

Its first single, "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)", peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<ref>[[[:Template:BillboardURLbyName]] Chart History: Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)], Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> The second single "Danger" reached number 82 on the Hot 100 and number 27 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,<ref>[[[:Template:BillboardURLbyName]] Chart History: Danger]. Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> while the third single "Back in the Day (Puff)" peaked at number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<ref>[[[:Template:BillboardURLbyName]] Chart History: Back in the Day (Puff)], Billboard. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> Badu received four further Grammy nominations for the album. She also contributed to Zap Mama's album Ancestry in Progress (2004), adding her vocals to the track "Bandy Bandy." Badu embarked on the "Worldwide Underground Tour" in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The U.S. trek kicked off February 3 in New Orleans and ran through the winter and spring with supporting act Floetry joining the tour February 5 in Houston.<ref>[5] Template:Webarchive</ref> The Roots made a special opening act appearance at the February 11 show in Los Angeles. Badu resumed the tour during the fall with additional dates in America and Europe.

File:ErykahBadu.jpg

Badu in 2005

In 2005, she was a judge for the 4th Annual Independent Music Awards, to support independent artists' careers. Badu co-founded the Sugar Water Festival with Queen Latifah and Jill Scott. The trek played to amphitheaters and arenas in the United States during the summer of 2005 and 2006. It began in 2005 as an event to bring awareness to health issues to African-American women. British duo Floetry opened shows during the 2005 run. The festival was relaunched briefly in 2006 with Kelis opening the show and comedian Mo'Nique hosting the festival.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 2006 was its final year. The festival had plans to expand into Europe and Asia, but this did not come to fruition. The Summer Tour was a concert tour in 2006 by Badu. The tour started on June 10, in Knoxville, TN, with three shows in the U.S., and resumed in July for several shows in Europe. Badu co-headlined on dates in August with Jill Scott and Queen Latifah at the Sugar Water Festival.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2007–2009: New Amerykah Part One

After receiving her first computer as a Christmas gift, Badu began communicating with and receiving music from Questlove, Q-Tip and J Dilla, among others. She later began to use her laptop as a mini recording studio to construct various backing tracks for songs, which led to the album's primary recording sessions at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.<ref name="Taylor">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Jones">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2007 Badu was said to have three albums in the works for release during 2007 and 2008. "Honey", a new single produced by 9th Wonder, was leaked online in November 2007. The fourth studio album, New Amerykah Part One, was released by Universal Motown Records,<ref name="credits"/> in the United States on February 26, 2008, Badu's 37th birthday.<ref name="Nero"/> It was released in European countries on February 29,<ref name="Hung Medien">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in Australia and the United Kingdom on March 3,<ref name="Boraman">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="AUS">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> and in Japan on March 12.<ref name="JAP">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both Japanese and Australian editions contain the bonus track "Real Thang".<ref name="JAP"/> The album's digital release on the iTunes Store featured the song's "Tumbling Dice Remix" as a bonus track.<ref name="iTunes">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> New Amerykah Part One was also released as a double vinyl LP on March 11,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and on USB stick format.<ref name="HoneyPR">Template:Cite press release</ref>

The album's lead single, "Honey", was released on December 11, 2007.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It reached number 88 on the US Billboard Hot 100, on which it spent three weeks.<ref name="bbHoney">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The song also charted at number 22 and spent 17 weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.<ref name="bbHoney"/> Upon release New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) received universal acclaim from critics.<ref name="credits">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the United States, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 125,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="Caulfield">Template:Cite magazine</ref> It was Badu's best opening week since her debut album Baduizm in 1997. It also entered at number two on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.<ref name="bbcharts">Template:Cite magazine</ref> According to Nielsen Soundscan, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) sold 359,000 copies in the United States by early 2010.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Erykah Badu performed at the 10th annual Voodoo Experience in New Orleans the weekend before Halloween 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the album charted at number 55 on the UK Albums Chart, on which it spent one week.<ref name="UKcharts">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In France, it debuted at number 49 and spent 11 weeks on the French Albums Chart.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In Switzerland, it debuted at number 10 and spent six weeks on the Swiss Albums Top 100.<ref name="Hung Medien"/> In the Netherlands, the album entered at number 25 and spent seven weeks on the Mega Album Top 100.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In Poland, it reached number nine and spent eight weeks on the Polish Albums Chart.<ref name="OLiS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album's highest international charting was number five in Sweden, where it charted for seven weeks.<ref name="Hung Medien"/>

During 2008 and 2009, Badu embarked on two world tours. The Vortex Tour (2008) was a tour in support of New Amerykah Part One.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The U.S. tour kicked off May 4 in Detroit, MI, ending on June 15 in Albuquerque, NM.<ref>[6] Template:Webarchive</ref> The second leg of tour reached Europe on June 25, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Badu toured across Europe playing shows that included an itinerary for the month of July. Several more shows were added throughout August in the U.S. The Jam Tour was a summer music concert tour in 2009. The tour started in March; Badu played dates across North America twice and Europe, and the tour ended in Dallas, Texas on October 16. During the second U.S. leg, Badu was featured as a special guest co-headliner on hip-hop artist Mos Def's "Ecstatic Tour"<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> on select September dates.<ref>[7] Template:Webarchive</ref>

2010–2014: New Amerykah Part Two and Window Seat controversy

"New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)", Badu's fifth studio album, was released March 30, 2010, on Universal Motown in the United States.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was released in Japan on April 14, 2010.<ref>Product Page: New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) Template:Webarchive. CDJapan. Retrieved 2010-03-31.</ref> Upon release the album was met with general acclaim from critics.<ref>New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010): Reviews Template:Webarchive. Metacritic. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> The album debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 110,000 copies in its first week.<ref>Caulfield, Keith. Usher Scores Third Straight No. 1 On Billboard 200 Template:Webarchive, Billboard. Retrieved 2010-04-07.</ref> It also entered at number two on BillboardTemplate:'s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.<ref name="Caulfield"/> In the United Kingdom, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) debuted at number 56 on the UK Albums Chart and at number nine on the R&B Albums Chart.<ref name="acharts"/><ref name="UKR&B">UK Top 40 RnB Albums (4 April 2010). BBC Online. Archived on 2010-04-07.</ref> In Canada, the album debuted at number 36 on the Top 100 and at number five on the R&B Top 50 chart.<ref name="CAN">"Albums: Top 100 – For the Week Ending 4 April 2010". Jam!. Template:Usurped on 2010-04-10.</ref><ref name="CANR&B">"R&B: Top 50 – For the Week Ending 4 April 2010". Jam!. Template:Usurped on 2010-04-10.</ref> New Amerykah Part Two achieved moderate chart success in international markets, peaking within the top 50 in several countries, including Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark.<ref name="acharts">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

During March 2010, Badu promoted the album through television performances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Wendy Williams Show, Chelsea Lately, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Good Day New York.<ref name="BWire"/> She also appeared on the April issue cover of EQ magazine and was featured in issues of Nylon, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Time Out New York, Spin, Vibe, Paste, and People, among others.<ref name="BWire">Press release. ERYKAH BADU's New Album, NEW AMERYKAH PART TWO: RETURN OF THE ANKH, in Stores Today Template:Webarchive. Business Wire. Retrieved 2010-03-31.</ref> Badu performed at a surprise midnight show on March 31, 2010 at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.<ref name="Kennedy">Kennedy, Gerrick D. "Live review: Erykah Badu's surprise midnight show at the El Rey" Template:Webarchive, Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-03-31.</ref>

The internet-only promotional single "Jump up in the Air (Stay There)", featuring Lil Wayne and Bilal, was released on Badu's official website in January 2010. RC Williams, Badu's musical director, said that a music video for the track was shot in Dallas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album's first official single, "Window Seat", was released by Badu through a downloadable link on her Twitter page.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The song peaked at number 16 on Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<ref name="R&B"/> The album's second single, "Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)", was released March 24, 2010 by Badu as a free download online.<ref>Columnist. New Music: Erykah Badu ~ 'Turn Me Away'Template:Dead link. American Idolizing. Retrieved 2010-04-25.</ref><ref>Columnist. Erykah Badu Offers New Single As Free Download . RTTNews. Retrieved 2010-04-25.</ref> It spent three weeks on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number 87.<ref name="R&B"/> On Wednesday, February 9, 2011, Vimeo.com released a new video for "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long", directed by Flying Lotus. The video was tweeted by Badu herself and friend and associated music act Questlove from the Roots.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On March 13, 2010,<ref name="badudallasnews">Hauk, Hunter."Badu speaks out about 'Window Seat' video" Template:Webarchive, DallasNews.com. March 29, 2010.</ref> Badu filmed the video for her song "Window Seat", at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. She wrote on her Twitter feed that the video "was shot guerrilla style, no crew, 1 take, no closed set, no warning, 2 min., Downtown Dallas, then ran like hell."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The team did not acquire permission or permits from the city. In the video, Badu shed her clothes as she walked along a Dallas sidewalk until she was nude at the site where Kennedy was shot. A shot rang out as the song ended, Badu's head jerked back, and she fell to the ground. Children with their families could be seen nearby as Badu stripped.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> When asked about stripping nude in the presence of minors, Badu said, "I didn't think about them until I saw them, and in my mind I tried to telepathically communicate my good intent to them. That's all I could do, and I hoped they wouldn't be traumatized."<ref name="badudallasnews" /><ref name="Window seat1">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

File:Erykah Badu, Umbria Jazz 2012 (2).JPG

Erykah Badu at Umbria Jazz in 2012

Badu said on The Wanda Sykes Show on April 3, 2010, that it was not her intention to insult the memory of the late President John F. Kennedy (JFK): "My point was grossly misunderstood all over America. JFK is one of my heroes, one of the nation's heroes. John F. Kennedy was a revolutionary; he was not afraid to butt heads with America, and I was not afraid to show America my butt-naked truth."<ref name=mtvwanda>Hanek, Joel. Erykah Badu Defends "Window Seat" On 'Wanda Sykes Show' Template:Webarchive, MTV.com., April 5, 2010.</ref> Coodie and Chike, directors of the "Window Seat" video, said they had bail money ready during filming in case Badu was arrested.<ref name=mtvwanda /> Badu said the video was a protest against "groupthink" and was inspired by Matt and Kim's music video "Lessons Learned." Badu has also said she has "no regrets".<ref name="badudallasnews" />

In 2011 Badu appeared on Flying Lotus's fourth album, Until the Quiet Comes.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Badu appeared on the debut album by the supergroup Rocketjuice and The Moon, which was released in March 2012<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the album Black Radio by Robert Glasper. In 2013, Badu appeared on "Treehome95" from Tyler, The Creator's second studio album, Wolf as well as on the song "Heaven for the Sinner" from Bonobo's album The North Borders.<ref name="spin">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Badu featured on Janelle Monáe's first single from her second studio album, The Electric Lady, "Q.U.E.E.N." The song premiered on SoundCloud and was made available for download purchase at the iTunes Store on April 23, 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The song peaked at 47 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

2015–2019: Touring and mixtapes

In May 2013, Badu announced she was writing her next project, but not placing a time constraint on it.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In July 2014, Badu revealed she was still working on the album and had been recording in April in Africa where she was "laying down drum tracks". Badu also said that prior to her trip to Africa she would have meetings with her record label to set a deadline for the album.<ref>Robert Wilonsky, "Erykah Badu on that next record, playing casinos and Dave Chappelle's epic 'Block Party'" Template:Webarchive, The Dallas Morning News, July 8, 2014.</ref> Later that year Badu expanded on the album, stating she was working with producer Flying Lotus, who she met via MySpace years ago; they later met in L.A. at guitarist Steve Wilson's house.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In 2015, Badu appeared on "Rememory", a song from Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment's album Surf.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In July 2015, Badu released a free mixtape of her favorite recordings, describing the set as "carefully and lovingly selected high frequency tones for the soul." The mixtape features mostly vintage funk, soul and jazz songs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On March 26, 2015, Erykah Badu performed at The Bomb Factory in her hometown, Dallas, Texas, for the Deep Ellum venue's grand opening. The sold-out show also featured fellow Dallas native, singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe.<ref>Wilonsky, Robert (2015-03-27). "The game changer: Erykah Badu, Sarah Jaffe mark the glorious return of The Bomb Factory | Guide Live" Template:Webarchive guidelive.com. Retrieved 2016-06-14.</ref>

In early October, Badu released a remix of Drake's single "Hotline Bling",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and later released a mixtape, But You Caint Use My Phone, on November 27, 2015, making it available for digital download and streaming exclusively through Apple Music.<ref name="CoS">Template:Cite magazine</ref> After one week of exclusive release on iTunes, But You Caint Use My Phone was released to other digital retailers and streaming services on December 4, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The mixtape was released without the knowledge of her label Universal, due to Badu sending the record straight to iTunes. It also marked Badu's first release under her own record label, Control Freaq.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> But You Caint Use My Phone received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, selling 35,000 equivalent album units in its first week.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Badu also hosted the 2015, 2016 and the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Within two months of the release of But You Caint Use My Phone in 2016, Badu announced a follow-up mixtape titled This $hit Too Easy was to be released; however, this mixtape hasn't surfaced. The same year, Badu released new three tracks on SoundCloud, including Trill Friends, Thru It All and Come See Badu. On January 24, 2018, she announced a release of a new mixtape, but like the aforementioned mixtape, remains unreleased. In a publication on Vulture, Badu announced she was slowly making progress on her sixth studio album.

Badu held her annual "Still Boomin'" sold-out birthday bash concert at The Bomb Factory on February 26, 2016, marking her second performance at the venue since its grand opening 11 months earlier. The event was hosted by Badu's close friend Dave Chappelle and featured a surprise appearance by André 3000 of the duo Outkast. Badu enlisted Dallas' local hip hop acts Zach Witness and Cameron McCloud as her supporting acts, after collaborating with Witness earlier that year at his home studio.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Galicia, Mikel (2016-02-29). "Erykah Badu's Annual Birthday Bash Reached a New Peak Friday Night | Dallas Observer" Template:Webarchive dallasobserver.com. Retrieved 2016-06-14.</ref> In 2016, Badu also starred as Turquoise in the film The Land. For the film, Badu also released the title track The Land, which featured rapper Nas.

On August 15, 2018, the NPR video series Tiny Desk Concerts, released a new episode featuring Erykah Badu and her band performing live.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The same day, NPR released the What's Good with Stretch & Bobbito podcast episode featuring a fresh interview with Erykah Badu where she spoke of being a certified Doula, her inherited sense of humor from her mother, stand-up comedy, her avoidance of print interviews after her 2008 experience being misquoted, and Prince.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On November 7, while hosting NTS series Sound of Color Badu debuted a studio recording of a previously unreleased and untitled song that has been dubbed Money Can't Buy Me Love by fans.

On June 2, 2019, Badu teased the release of a new song which she performed live at Barcelona's Primavera Sound Festival, tentatively titled The Work (The Way She Sees). The following day on June 3, 2019, Badu released a new single titled Tempted, a cover of Tempted by Squeeze in collaboration with instrumentalist James Poyser. This song marks her first official single since Phone Down in 2015. In September, Badu confirmed her plans to release her sixth studio album "soon" via a comment to a fan on Instagram.

2020–present: Contributions and features

In May 2020, she featured on a single titled "Beehoove" alongside D'Angelo on Slingbaum's vinyl-only release debut studio album, Slingbaum One. On June 19, 2020 Badu featured on the song "Lowkey" by singer Teyana Taylor. In August 2020, Badu contributed to the live streamed recording of Bilal's EP VOYAGE-19, created remotely during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It was released the following month with proceeds from its sales going to participating musicians in financial hardship from the pandemic.<ref name="cos">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In December 2022, she featured on a track titled "Yun" on RM's debut studio album Indigo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Musical style

Badu's work draws from R&B, 1970s soul, and 1980s hip hop,<ref name="allmusicbio"/> and became associated with the neo soul subgenre in the 1990s along with artists like D'Angelo.<ref name="tny">Template:Cite magazine</ref> For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared<ref name="nytimes1997"/> to jazz great Billie Holiday.<ref name="nyrock1"/><ref name="okayplayer1"/> Badu's has been described as an experimental R&B singer,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="idol">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> and her work explores contemporary forms of soul and hip hop. Mama's Gun is a neo soul album, that incorporates funk, soul, and jazz styles.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album has been viewed by critics as a women's companion to neo soul artist D'Angelo's second album Voodoo (2000), which features a similar musical style and direction.<ref name="Brunner">Brunner, Rob. Review: Mama's Gun . Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2009-08-09.</ref><ref name="Klein">Klein, Joshua. "Review: Mama's Gun", The Washington Post: C.05. December 6, 2000. (Transcription of original review at talk page)</ref><ref name="Gill">Gill, Andy. Review: Mama's Gun Template:Webarchive. The Independent. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> Worldwide Underground followed in the same vein as Badu's previous efforts: the album is neo-soul and prominently incorporates hip hop and funk elements, while also featuring an unconventional musical structure. New Amerykah Part One has a dense<ref name="Butler">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> stylistic amalgam that primarily incorporates funk, soul, and hip hop genres,<ref name="Taylor"/><ref name="Ryzik">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Mojo50">Template:Cite journal</ref> as well as jazz and electronica.<ref name="Hardy">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In contrast to its predecessor, New Amerykah Part One (2008), which was digitally produced and political in tone, New Amerykah Part Two incorporates sampling and live instrumentation.<ref name="Kellman">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Concepcion">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

File:Erykah Badu FEP.jpg

Badu in Bruges, Belgium in 2006

The majority of Badu's music is greatly influenced by her beliefs of the Nation of Gods and Earths and her exploration of her African heritage.<ref>Marlo David, African American Review, Vol. 41, No. 4, "Afrofuturism and Post-Soul Possibility in Black Popular Music" Template:Webarchive, Post-Soul Aesthetic (Winter 2007), pp. 695–707.</ref> The songs in her album Baduizm express her personal take on life. Her philosophy is influenced by African ideology, African-centered and Five Percent theologies, and Southern African-American folk traditions. Mama's Gun has a confessional lyrical theme, covering themes of insecurity, social issues, and personal relationships. Worldwide Underground contains minimalist songwriting concerning hip hop culture, love, ghetto life, and gang culture.<ref>Jones, Steve. Review: Worldwide Underground Template:Webarchive. USA Today. Retrieved 2009-08-09.</ref><ref name="King">King, Aliya S. "Review: Worldwide Underground", Vibe: 147. November 2003.</ref><ref name="Chauhan">Chauhan, Sunil. Review: Worldwide Underground Template:Webarchive. Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 2009-11-11.</ref><ref>Green, Thomas H. "Review: Worldwide Underground" Template:Webarchive, The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2010-03-30.</ref> New Amerykah Part One is an esoteric concept album with sociopolitical themes and mostly downbeat subject matter,<ref name="Muze">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Hoard">Template:Cite magazine</ref> featuring more impersonal topics and social commentary than on Badu's previous work.<ref name="Nero">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Its subject matter deals with social concerns and struggles within the African-American community, exploring topics such as institutional racism, religion, poverty, urban violence, the abuse of power, complacency, cultural identity, drug addiction, and nihilism.<ref name="Abebe">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Ratliff">Template:Cite news</ref> Badu has said that the album discusses "religion, [...] poor families, the undermining of the working class, the so-called minority",<ref name="Warren">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lyrically, New Amerykah Part Two is more personal than its predecessor, focusing on themes of romance and relationships.<ref name="Kellman"/><ref name="Concepcion"/> Badu has described its sound as "very analog".<ref name="Matos">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Badu is inspired by "stimulating" experiences. She was also influenced greatly by her music teacher Ms. Goodman,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> who encouraged her to take up music.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Badu also takes influence from her grandmother and her religious views which Erykah described as a lesson saying "When you do it, it gotta be real, or that's not it."<ref name="autogenerated2"/>

Accolades

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File:Sutton, Surrey London Wellesley Road public art (i).JPG

Badu in street art in Sutton, Greater London, England

In 1997, Badu received twenty nominations and won three, Favorite Female Solo Single for "On & On", Favorite Female Solo Album for Baduizm and Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year for "On & On" at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1998, Badu received fourteen nominations and won eight, including Favorite R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist at the American Music Awards; Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "On & On" and Best R&B Album for Baduizm at the Grammy Awards; Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Female Artist at the NAACP Image Awards; Favorite Female Soul/R&B Single for "On & On", Favorite Female Soul/R&B Album for Baduizm and Favorite New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist for "On & On" at the Soul Train Music Awards.<ref name="nytimes1998"/><ref name="google1998"/><ref>Template:Cite magazineTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore </ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2000, Badu received two nominations and won one, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the Grammy Awards.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2003, Badu received twelve nominations and won two, including Video of the Year for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" at the BET Awards and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" at the Grammy Awards.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2008, Badu received eleven nominations and won two, including Best Director for "Honey" at the BET Awards and Best Direction in a Video for "Honey" at the MTV Video Music Awards. Overall, Badu has won 16 awards from 59 nominations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Legacy

File:Erykah badu-03-mika.jpg

Erykah Badu has been dubbed "the first lady of neo-soul" and "the queen of neo-soul".<ref name="Ryzik"/><ref name="phoenixnewtimes1"/><ref name="google1997"/><ref name="google2002"/>

Although she disputes the term, Erykah Badu has been dubbed "the first lady of neo-soul" and "the queen of neo-soul".<ref name="Ryzik"/><ref name="phoenixnewtimes1">Jansen, Steve (May 28, 2009), First Lady of Neo-Soul – Page 1 Template:Webarchive. Phoenix New Times, p. 1. Retrieved March 6, 2011.</ref><ref name="google1997">Kinnon, Joy Bennett (July 1997). "Home Brew: Erykah Badu Template:Webarchive". Ebony: 36–37.</ref><ref name="google2002">Template:Cite book</ref> BaduizmTemplate:'s commercial and critical success earned Erykah Badu popularity at the time and helped establish her as one of the emerging neo soul genre's leading artists.<ref name="O'Donnell"/> Along with D'Angelo's Brown Sugar (1995) and Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite (1996), the album has been recognized by music writers for beginning neo soul's popularity and helping the genre obtain commercial visibility at the time.<ref name="Shapiro">Shapiro (2006), pp. 104–105.</ref><ref name="Nelson">Nelson, Trevor. Radio 1 Listeners Top 50 Albums of 1993–2003 Template:Webarchive. TrevorNelson. Retrieved April 30, 2009.</ref><ref name="Harvilla">Harvilla, Rob. "Maxwell Returns. So Do the Giant Panties" Template:Webarchive, The Village Voice. Retrieved March 31, 2009.</ref>

Erykah Badu's song "Master Teacher" popularized the expression stay woke in the meaning of to continue to be "self-aware, questioning the dominant paradigm and striving for something better."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Badu at number 115 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Other ventures

Badu has also ventured into acting. She made her debut as a supporting role in the 1998 film Blues Brothers 2000, playing Queen Mousette.Template:Cn The film gained mostly mixed to negative reviews from film critics and was considered a commercial failure.<ref name="rt">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="BOM2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Badu made her second appearances in The Cider House Rules (1999), where she played the character of Rose Rose.Template:Cn The film fared well both critically and commercially,<ref>"The Cider House Rules (1999)" Template:Webarchive. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 15, 2013.</ref> with Badu receiving numerous awards and nominations including a win at the 2000 Black Reel Awards for best supporting actress as well as nominations for Screen Actors Guild Awards and Satellite Awards.Template:Cn

In 2004, Badu returned to the screen playing Lady/Bernadette in House of D.Template:Cn Badu also had small roles in Before the Music Dies (2005), and Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006). She is reported to have a leading role alongside Mos Def in the upcoming indie film, Bobby Zero, which tells a story of a struggling couple, who hit rock bottom after Mos Def's character gives up his artistic dream to pursue an advertising corporate job to live on.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She also appeared in scenes of the music video of Miko Marks' 2006 recording "Mama" and Common's video for "The Light," as well as making a special appearance on the sitcom Girlfriends.

File:Brenda, Shaquanda, Erykah, and Creola.jpg

Badu alongside Brenda Cherry, Creola and Shaquanda Cotton at the Africa Care Academy 10th Annual Educational Awards Banquet in Dallas, Texas

In 2008, Badu became the face of fashion designer Tom Ford White Patchouli fragrance. Ford, longtime friends with Badu, considered her the best choice for the campaign. "I have always considered her a true beauty ... she just fits", says Ford.<ref>[8] Template:Webarchive</ref> In late December 2013, it was announced that Badu would become the face of Givenchy's 2014 Spring collection.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Badu made her New York Fashion Week debut alongside designer Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2016, styling for his Pyer Moss collection titled "Double Bind." Erykah Badu and Kerby Jean-Raymond titled this collection after Gregory Bateson's idea Double bind. Badu called this collection a "movement" against issues including depression, racism, and hatred.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Badu also remains an activist in her hometown of South Dallas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In Nation19 Magazine Badu talked about why she set up her own charity organization, titled Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D. 501c3).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The charity was established in 1997 and aims to provide "community-driven development for inner-city youth" through the use of music, dance, theater and visual arts.<ref name="looktothestars1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The organization's first endeavor was to establish a base of operations. Erykah chose to renovate and reopen the Black Forest Theater in South Dallas.<ref name="looktothestars1"/> The Black Forest serves as a community center, bringing people together in order to celebrate the art and culture of south Dallas.<ref name="looktothestars1"/> The Black Forest's stage is equipped for shows and performances, and has hosted both free and fundraising concerts by music artists including Prince, Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli and Questlove from The Roots.<ref name="looktothestars1"/> All of the artists volunteered their time to help with the charity.<ref name="looktothestars1"/> As an outreach for B.L.I.N.D., Erykah traveled to Africa in February 2003, where she worked with children affected by AIDS and poverty. Badu has also received the Key to the City of Dallas and been recognized in Philanthropy Magazine for her efforts in community service.<ref name="looktothestars1"/>

On February 20, 2020, Badu opened an online store named Badu World Market.<ref name="Wise2020">Template:Cite news</ref> Badu World Market features bespoke clothing, apothecary goods, musical merchandise, clothing accessories, and more. She also began selling a line of incense; one scent is named "Badu Pussy" because Badu claimed she "took lots of pairs of [her] panties, cut them up into little pieces and burned them."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Badu launched her own cannabis line, That Badu, in partnership with the Cookies cannabis brand in 2023.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She also founded a company Apple Trees in 2020 that sells cannabis-related accessories.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Personal life

Badu became a vegan in 2006: "Vegan food is soul food in its truest form. Soul food means to feed the soul. And to me, your soul is your intent. If your intent is pure, you are pure."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Badu splits her time between her hometown and Fort Greene, New York.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1996, Badu became involved with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, with whom she had her first child, a son named Seven Sirius Benjamin, on November 18, 1997.<ref name="RS magazine Seven">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Their relationship ended in 1999. In late 2000, OutKast released the song "Ms. Jackson", which was inspired by André 3000's then relationship with Badu and her mother. The song reached number one on Billboard Hot 100 and would go on to win a Grammy Award.

On July 5, 2004, Badu gave birth to a daughter, Puma Sabti Curry; Puma's father is Texas-based rapper The D.O.C. On February 1, 2009, Badu gave birth to her third child, a girl named Mars Merkaba Thedford, with her boyfriend of five years, rapper Jay Electronica.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

For the 2014 Okayplayer platform and web television OkayAfrica TV, Badu had her DNA tested, and genealogists researched her family ancestry. It was revealed that Badu's mitochondrial DNA traced to the Bamileke people of Cameroon in Central Africa.<ref name="vibe badu bamileke">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Legal issues

On April 2, 2010, Badu was charged with disorderly conduct for appearing nude in Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas while filming the music video for her single "Window Seat" during March, 2010. The video debuted online March 27, 2010. The video had been filmed spontaneously, without notifying Dallas government officials. Though Badu's performance had an estimated hundreds of eyewitnesses, none complained to police at the time of the incident. After the video gained attention online, the Dallas Police Department actively sought witnesses and complainants.<ref name=KrepsApril30>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Sgt. Warren Mitchell said the decision to cite Badu for a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 came after witness Ida Espinosa, 32, of Vernon, offered a sworn statement to police Thursday, April 1. Espinosa declined to comment to The Associated Press.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On April 28, 2010, Badu pleaded not guilty rather than paying the fee by mail.<ref name=KrepsApril30 /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On August 13, she paid the $500 ticket and began a term of six months' probation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Discography

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Studio albums

• Baduizm (1997)
• Mama's Gun (2000)
• Worldwide Underground (2003)
• New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008)
• New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010)

Live albums

• Live (1997)

Mixtape

• Feel Better World! ... Love, Ms. Badu (various artists) (2015)
• But You Caint Use My Phone (2015)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tours

• Baduizm World Tour (1997–98)
• Mama's Gun World Tour (2001–02)
• Frustrated Artist Tour (2003)
• Worldwide Underground Tour (2004)
• Sugar Water Festival (2005)
• Summer Tour (2006)
• Dave Chappelle/Badu tour (2007)
• The Vortex World Tour (2008)
• Jam Tour (2009)
• Out My Mind, Just in Time World Tour (2010)
• Live from Badubotron Tour (2021–22)
• Unfollow Me Tour (2023)

Filmography

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1997	All That	Herself	Season 3, Episode 21
	Sesame Street		Episode: "Telly's Greetings and Goodbyes & Snuffleupagus"
	One Life to Live		Two episodes – musical guest
	The Chris Rock Show		Season 1, Episode 5 – musical guest
	Later... with Jools Holland		Series 9, Episode 6 – musical guest
	MTV Unplugged		Musical guest
	Planet Groove
	New York Undercover		Season 3, Episode 21 – musical guest
1997, 2012	Late Show with David Letterman		Musical guest
2002	The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
	Def Poetry Jam		Season 2, Episode 2 – guest poet
2004	Kid's Lives... Starring Erykah Badu		Video short; host
	Chappelle's Show		Episode: "Music Jump-Off Special"
2005	Tavis Smiley
	The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson		Episode #65
2006	September in Brooklyn: The Making of 'Block Party'		Documentary short
2008	Ellen
2009, 2013	Yo Gabba Gabba!		2 episodes
2009	The Brian McKnight Show
2010	The Mo'Nique Show
	The Wanda Sykes Show		Season 1, Episode 19 – musical guest
	Jimmy Kimmel Live!
	The Wendy Williams Show
	Chelsea Lately		Musical guest
2011	Building the 'House of D'		Video short
2012	Independent Lens		Season 13, Episode 14 – documentary series
2013	Real Husbands of Hollywood		Season 2, Episode 10
	Soul Power		1 episode
2014, 2015	Black Dynamite	Rita Marley, Fatback Taffy	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2015	Hand of God	April
2016–17	Legends of Chamberlain Heights	Various characters
2017	Desus & Mero	Herself

Films

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1998	Blues Brothers 2000	Queen Moussette
1999	The Cider House Rules	Rose Rose	Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
2001	Erykah Badu Live	Herself	Documentary
2002	Stars: An Oscars Party
2003	Dragon Tales Let's Start a Band	Herself
2004	House of D	Lady / Bernadette
2006	Before the Music Dies	Herself	Music documentary
	Dave Chapelle's Block Party
2009	Say My Name		Documentary
2010	Teenage Paparazzo		Documentary, uncredited
2012	Re:Generation Music Project		Documentary
	Diary of a Decade: The Story of a Movement
2013	They Die by Dawn	Stagecoach Mary	Short
2014	What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music	Herself	Music documentary
2016	The Land	Turquoise
2019	What Men Want	Sister
2024	The Piano Lesson	Lucille

See also

• Neo soul
• Honorific nicknames in popular music

External links

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