The new album is a celebration of Badu’s first two decades of recording. This album pushed the boundaries of soul music and spanned multiple genres. Its songwriting style, a mix of classic and contemporary, was compared to that of Billie Holiday at the time. Although the songs possessed an organic feel, Badu’s bass was relentless. The album follows a more traditional format, but the lyrics are far darker and explore the darkest side of the human condition.
Badu’s sophomore album, Mama’s Gun, was a far more adventurous affair than her previous albums. The album’s opening track, “Penitentiary Philosophy,” featured a sprawling rock number. It was followed by a sampled version of “Dreamflower” by Tarika Blue. “Bag Lady,” meanwhile, was an atmospheric, gospel-flavored journey. Even the album’s closer, “Green Eyes,” featured improvisational jazz and a hypnotic beat.
In the late ’90s, Erykah Badu had become familiar on the conscious hip-hop scene, but she was not a household name. She dabbled in hip-hop as MC Apples. Until her debut album Baduizm, Badu was largely unknown outside the conscious hip-hop community. The album helped establish her as a credible artist. Its songs are laced with references to Fred Flinstone and George Jefferson, making her a cultural icon whose influence is hard to ignore.
The album was critically acclaimed and earned Badu two Grammy Awards. Baduizm 20 received two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, and was certified triple-platinum. It spawned a series of albums that earned Badu worldwide recognition. Badu’s sophomore album, “Worldwide Underground,” was also a hit. The album was followed by “New Amerykah: Part One” and “Part Two” in 2008, and then in 2010 by a cult status.
Erykah Badu’s voice has a certain bluesy and grit that recalls the music of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Her jazz voice, sultry and nimble, often takes risks, and the first two tracks showcase her voice. The jazzy songs in “Appletree” and “On & On” show her versatility as a songwriter.
“Baduizm” established Erykah Badu’s reign as a first lady of hip-hop. While her musical influences are diverse and eclectic, her style has remained consistent. In her most recent album, Badu remixed Drake songs. She hasn’t released a live album in five years, but her fans will be treated to a concert featuring the entire album. You can expect a high-quality show at the Eventim Apollo.
