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

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

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 Delivers Teyana Taylor & Iman Shumpert's Newborn Baby On Their Bathroom Floor

Erykah Badu Delivers Teyana Taylor & Iman Shumpert's Newborn Baby On Their Bathroom Floor

News | Sep 8, 2020, 11:37 AM PDT

Jaguar Wright Suggests The Roots Knew R. Kelly Was Picking Off Young Girls

Jaguar Wright Suggests The Roots Knew R. Kelly Was Picking Off Young Girls

News | Aug 5, 2020, 10:18 AM PDT

Jaguar Wright Accuses Common Of Past Sexual Assault In Wake Of Malik B's Death

Jaguar Wright Accuses Common Of Past Sexual Assault In Wake Of Malik B's Death

News | Aug 4, 2020, 7:00 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Doesn't Miss Touring: 'I'm The Laziest Artist Probably In Dallas'

Erykah Badu Doesn't Miss Touring: 'I'm The Laziest Artist Probably In Dallas'

News | Jul 26, 2020, 2:06 PM PDT

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Erykah Badu Champions Her 'Midas Pussy' After Being Equated To Jada Pinkett Smith

Erykah Badu Champions Her 'Midas Pussy' After Being Equated To Jada Pinkett Smith

News | Jul 9, 2020, 4:52 PM PDT

Teyana Taylor Tells Nick Cannon Erykah Badu Is Delivering Her 2nd Baby

Teyana Taylor Tells Nick Cannon Erykah Badu Is Delivering Her 2nd Baby

News | Jun 24, 2020, 10:17 AM PDT

Tweets Is Watching: .idk Defends Kendrick Lamar's Silence

Tweets Is Watching: .idk Defends Kendrick Lamar's Silence

Editorials | Jun 6, 2020, 2:00 PM PDT

Erykah Badu Vs. Jill Scott Instagram Live Battle Wasn't A Battle At All

Erykah Badu Vs. Jill Scott Instagram Live Battle Wasn't A Battle At All

News | May 9, 2020, 5:55 PM PDT

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder

AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Hip Hop Week In Review: Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' & Eminem's 'Stan' Home Intruder

Hip Hop Week In Review: Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' & Eminem's 'Stan' Home Intruder

News | May 3, 2020, 5:00 PM PDT

Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Will Face Off In Instagram Live Battle

Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Will Face Off In Instagram Live Battle

News | May 1, 2020, 10:20 AM PDT