Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu Working On Collab Album With Madlib And Embarking On U.S. Tour With Yasiin Bey

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Erykah Badu and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) have announced that they’re embarking on a 25-city tour of the United States. Producer Madlib recently revealed that he has an upcoming project in the works with the neo-soul queen—Erykah Badu. The talented and highly sought after composer appeared on Sway in the Morning with Talib Kweli to promote their new album Liberation 2. During the conversation, Madlib said he recently began work on a full-length effort with Ms. Badu.

He added: “[Erykah and I] just started on an album … We have a lot of unreleased stuff.” teased an upcoming project with Badu

Badu’s tour—the Unfollow Me tour begins on June 11 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX. It will conclude on July 23 at the American Airlines Center in San Antonio, TX.

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Pre-sales begin on April 20 through Ticketmaster.

Check out the Unfollow Me tour dates below:
June
11 – AT&T Center – San Antonio, TC
13 – Desert Diamond Arena – Glendale, AZ
20 – Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
21 – Oakland Arena – Oakland, CA
23 – WaMu Theater – Seattle, WA
26 – Ball Arena – Denver, CO
28 – Enterprise Center – St. Louis, MO
30 – Xcel Center – St. Paul, MN

July
1 – United Center – Chicago, IL
2 – Little Caesar’s Arena – Detroit, MI
7 – TD Arena – Boston, MA
8 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
9 – TD Pavillion at the Mann – Philadelphia, PA
11 – Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
13 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC
15 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA
16 – Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC
18 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
19 – Legacy Area at the BJCC – Birmingham, AL
21 – Fedex Forum – Memphis, TN
23 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX

The post Erykah Badu Working On Collab Album With Madlib And Embarking On U.S. Tour With Yasiin Bey appeared first on The Source.

Erykah Badu & Daughter Puma Curry Debut New Look

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Erykah Badu looks almost totally unrecognizable in a new selfie with her daughter. The 52-year-old soul singer is often outlandish in her choice of fashion. Because of this, many consider her a trailblazer. Badu’s unique style is a perfect representation of her creative and carefree vibe. Generally, you’ll catch her rocking colorful, unconventional garments like flowing robes, funky hats, and bold prints. Also, Badu is all about embracing her heritage, so she is constantly infusing cultural influences into her fashion choices. She effortlessly mixes vintage and modern pieces to create her own one-of-a-kind looks that are both edgy and timeless.

Badu is the “First Lady of Neo-Soul.” High acclaimed by critics and fans alike, she is a multifaceted artist, working as a singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable. Her soulful and alluring voice, paired with her thought-provoking lyrics and distinctive sense of style, have captivated audiences worldwide. Furthermore, Badu’s music transcends genres, blending soul, R&B, hip hop, and jazz to create a unique and unmistakable sound. Beyond her musical talent, Badu is an activist and proponent of social awareness. As such, she uses her platform to advocate for equality, mental health, and self-empowerment. Her artistic prowess, visionary creativity, and unapologetic individuality have firmly established her as a pioneering force and an enduring icon in the world of music.

Badu’s New Toned Down Look

In a recent selfie shared with her daughter, Puma Curry, Erykah Badu surprised fans with a fresh and toned-down look. Sporting deep red lipstick, she exudes a sense of effortless elegance. Surprisingly, the songbird’s hair is styled in a short pixie cut. Usually, it is adorned with intricate headwraps or colorful accessories, so this makes for quite a shock. Despite the departure from her usual avant-garde fashion sense, Badu radiated confidence and authenticity, showcasing a different side of her personal style.

Erykah Badu is known for her authenticity and transparency. To this day, she has a strong influence on some of the biggest names in the industry. Drake has even described Badu as his “eternal spirit animal“. No matter how long she’s been in the industry, it doesn’t look like Badu’s impact is going to be lessening anytime soon. What do you think of her new, subdued look? Let us know in the comments!

Erykah Badu Speaks On Having Three Baby Daddies, Reveals How She Avoids Labels

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Erykah Badu hasn’t been one to shy away from expressing her unique individuality. The “On & On” singer has fully embraced her authentic approach to music and life, even though it may differ from the status quo. Accordingly, this neo-soul icon continues to push through boundaries, evidently avoiding labels along the way. In a chat with The Breakfast Club, Badu sits down with Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy to discuss how she steers clear of negative characterizations, specifically when it comes to having three baby daddies.

Charlamagne points out how other women have “labels put on them,” yet Badu has seemingly avoided being criticized for her nontraditional means to a family. She reflects, “I think if you’re transparent, people shouldn’t do that. I didn’t know anything… no one would expect to have three baby daddies, who plans that?” “But,” the mom-of-three explains, “when those things start to happen, you don’t stop living.” “Not everybody knows how to be mate,” Badu reflects. According to her, we aren’t taught how to be good partners. The singer adds, “we try, you know but we’re not taught that. That’s something we don’t know how to do. It’s a whole culture built around it, but we don’t even know how to do it.”

Badu Says Transparency Is Key

“Let’s be transparent, for my sisters out there,” the “Hello” singer tells the radio show. “We fall in love, you know, love is a chemical thing. We fall in love. Really I think God make us fall in love just long enough to get pregnant so that we can go ahead and procreate,” Badu explains. She reassures mothers in similar situations to hers that culture is what dictates a marriage timeline, but, “it doesn’t fit everybody. It doesn’t fit me.”

Badu, whose offsprings vary from the ages of 14 to 25, lives with her family in Dallas, TX. In accordance with the 51-year-old singer’s spiritual beliefs, she has outfitted her home to reflect meditation and sound healing. Badu has been especially open about her relationship with her 18-year-old daughter Puma, who also wants to pursue music. For the hottest news circulating in hip-hop, check out HNHH.

Badu Shares Her “Mother-Daughter” Day

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#BHM Happy Born Day To The Man Named Allah! 7 Facts That You May Not Know About The Founder Of The 5% Nation

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Many people may have heard of the “Five Percenters” or the teachings that stem from this cultural phenomenon born in the ghettos of America, but there are very few who are familiar with the origins of the 5% Nation (also known as the Nation Of Gods and Earths) or that of the founder of the Five Percent, who is best known as Allah. Artists and athletes such as Jay-Z and Carmelo Anthony have shown either their allegiance or alliance to Allah’s 56-year-old Nation. Of all of the religious and nationalist movements of the revolutionary 1960s, his story is always left out of Black History Month recognition, even though Allah met the same treacherous fate as many of the Black leaders of that era.

Born on this date in 1928, the man known as Allah was born Clarence Edward Smith to Louis and Mary Smith in Danville, Virginia. He moved to Harlem, New York as a young adult and it was from there that he began his lifelong journey in establishing a legacy of pride, righteousness, and all-inclusivity among the youth that has expanded all over the globe.

In commemoration of Black History Month, TheSource.com brings you seven facts about Allah and what his 5% Nation has brought to the Black, Latino, Asian and white youth in the United States and around the world.

  1. Allah fought in the Korean War; won several medals including the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
  2. He was a member of Nation Of Islam’s Temple No. 7 under Minister Malcolm X, however, left the NOI in 1963 shortly before Malcolm’s departure.
  3. Allah was given the “Street Academy” at 2122 7th Avenue(now known as Allah School In Mecca) by NYC Mayor John Lindsay in 1967.
  4. Allah was proficient at martial arts, which he learned in Korea and was an instructor to the members of NOI security, Fruit Of Islam.
  5. Allah was not anti-white and taught white 5%ers, including Mayor Lindsay’s assistant Barry Gotterher.
  6. Allah was killed by unknown assailants on June 13, 1969, however, it was revealed in a document declassified by the FBI in 1981 that he was a target of J.Edgar Hoover’s COINTELPRO initiative aimed at Black leaders.
  7. The message of the 5% is not a thing of Hip Hop’s past. Artists such as NYC’s Fame Labs, Detroit’s(D-Mecca) Njeri Earth and Allah Magnetic aka Mullah Don who carries on Allah’s tradition through their music.

The post #BHM Happy Born Day To The Man Named Allah! 7 Facts That You May Not Know About The Founder Of The 5% Nation appeared first on The Source.

Erykah Badu Gives Eccentric Studio Tour

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It only makes sense why Erykah Badu has chosen to establish her personal creative space in Dallas, TX. The 51-year-old singer-songwriter has returned to her roots in her hometown, and her “Badudio” is a testament to Badu’s spiritual connection to sound. During her feature of Vogue’s “Objects of Affection,” Badu gives us a peak at her home studio. The home itself is unique and vibrant, featuring objects that undeniably inspire the “On & On” singer. Right upon walking in is a dramatic piano which Badu considers to be haunted.

Allegedly, this piano has turned on by itself, and its spooky tones have inspired some of Badu’s favorite songs. Badu is known for experimenting with sounds. Accordingly, her studio houses a number of rare instruments. One of her favorites is a dual-purpose purse that also serves as a singing bowl. When showing off this object of affection, Badu reflects on the functionality of this bag: “wherever I am, I can find some peace.” Another productive fashion choice that Badu uses from morning to night is her ankle bells. As soon as she wakes up, the bells are strapped to her legs as Badu loves music following her around.

Inside Look At Erykah Badu’s Sound Haven

While giving a tour of her house, the mom of three shows off her peaceful bedroom sanctuary. Alongside her bed is a one-of-a-kind bedroom addition: an infrared sauna. Of course, even the sauna doesn’t lack a musical touch. It’s fitted with a stolen car radio that adds an extra flare to an already soothing steam session. Beyond the bedroom is Badu’s meditation haven. This beautiful bohemian escape is filled with spiritual objects, especially those that highlight healing sound waves. Her collection of instruments includes tuning forks, spinning spears, and even an Om wand that Badu received on an Ayahuasca retreat.

Of course, a tour of Badu’s house wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse at her epic jewelry collection. With style and flare, Badu shows off her favorite pieces of metal, including her tuning fork grill and her favorite opal stone grills. Needless to say, the multi-grammy award-winning artist has fashioned her “Badudio” to fit her spiritual needs, which revolves around her love for sound.

Today In Hip Hop History: Erykah Badu’s Debut LP ‘Baduizm’ Dropped 26 Years Ago

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On this date in 1997, the debut album from neo-soul queen Erykah Badu entitled Baduizm was released on Universal Records through the Kedar imprint. This LP catapulted the Texan songstress into the Grammy Award-winning music icon that she has become almost three decades later.

Produced primarily by Madukwu Chinwah, Bob Powers, who is known from ATCQ’s Low End Theory album, as well as various live tracks from the famed Hip Hop band The Roots, this project brought the smoky jazz lounge sound to Hip Hop circles via the language of the 5% Nation. Badu’s naturalista fashion and overall aura not only made lanes for artists like India Irie, Jill Scott, and even Janelle Monae but brought that positive energy that she called “izm” into the living rooms around the globe.

Storytelling tracks such as “Next Lifetime” and “Otherside Of The Game” showed what would be her cult-like following her feminine vulnerabilities, which made her even more audibly attractive to her listeners. The timeless “On & On” will forever be recognized as the hit that made the three times platinum album the cherished musical gem that it still stands as 26 years later.

Thanks to Ms. Badu, Kedar Massenburg, The Roots and everyone else involved in this very intricate piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Erykah Badu’s Debut LP ‘Baduizm’ Dropped 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Erykah Badu’s Influence Described By Questlove, Puma Curry, Thom Browne, And More

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Erykah Badu is just one of the celebrities presently proving that you’re never too old to reinvent yourself. As she quickly approaches her 52nd birthday, the Texas-born singer sat down with Vogue to discuss her “second coming” for the fashion magazine’s March issue. Aside from sharing her own thoughts, the outlet also spoke with several of Badu’s past collaborators and family members to truly capture the essence of her ethereal persona.

“The Healer” hitmaker’s unique style keeps fans talking. However, she says that’s not a world she dove into until her 30s and 40s. “What I had was a good understanding of look and shape, the way I did with paper dolls when I was a child,” she explained of her experience with fashion in her younger years.

Erykah Badu is seen during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 on September 24, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/GC Images)

“For me, it’s about seeing things coming together, like making a cake from beginning to end,” Badu went on. As her personal style continues to evolve, the mother of three has built strong working relationships with several top designers. Among them are Marni’s creative director, Francesco Risso, and Thom Browne.

The former says he was a huge fan of the vocalist’s process when they built a capsule collection together. “I’ve worked with celebrities in the past [but] with Erykah, it’s a completely new world… It’s just so innate. With her, it’s not just about making music. She’s iconic because what comes with her is a lifestyle, it’s a complete world.”

In the same story, Vogue quotes The Roots frontman Questlove’s thoughts upon seeing Badu at the 1996 Soul Train Awards in Los Angeles. “She had on the tallest turban I’ve ever seen in my life,” the producer recalls. “It was like she was hiding a three-year-old standing on her head, that’s how tall her headwrap was. I was just transfixed.” As for the “Tyrone” artist, she felt as though her fashion at the time was “really embracing what it meant to be an African here, generationally.”

The daughter she shares with The D.O.C., Puma, also spoke with Vogue about her mother’s undeniably strong influence. The 18-year-old and her boyfriend, Sean, have served as Badu’s personal assistants for upwards of a year now. At the same time, the singer’s daughter has been working double-time as a stylist, ensuring the performer has the “15 to 20 trunks of clothing and accessories she needs on tour.”

“I don’t know how other family workplace dynamics go, but it’s like a real job. I have to buckle down and do what I need to do or else word is going to get to the CEO and I’m not going to get paid. You know what I mean?” Puma dished off her responsibilities. Read Erykah Badu’s full Vogue profile here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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