Erykah Badu is working on her first album in 15 years. This announcement has created significant excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting new material from the influential artist.
The 54-year-old neo-soul legend has revealed she’s been busy working on her follow-up to 2010’s ‘New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh’, which will be produced by Eminem and Kendrick Lamar’s producer, The Alchemist. The collaboration with The Alchemist marks an exciting new direction in Badu’s sonic evolution, as the producer is known for his innovative approach to hip-hop production and has crafted memorable beats for some of rap’s most celebrated artists.
“I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years. That’s what I do. I am a performance artist. I am not a recording artist. I come from the theater,” the ‘On and On’ hitmaker explained that she views herself as a “performance artist”, opposed to a “recording artist” and focusing on her live shows is why there has been a considerable gap between her albums. Throughout her career, Badu has built a reputation for captivating, transformative live shows that blend music, visual art, and spiritual elements.
Performing for fans is like “therapy” for Badu. Her concerts are known for their improvisational nature and intimate connection with audiences, often extending beyond typical set times to create genuine communal experiences.
“It’s the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling. The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That’s what I live for. It’s my therapy. And theirs, too. We’re in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once,” she continued. Badu’s approach to performance has influenced countless artists across genres, with her emphasis on authenticity and spiritual connection resonating deeply with fans worldwide.
Last year, Badu made a guest appearance on Jamie xx’s track ‘F.U.’ on the deluxe vinyl edition of his LP ‘In Waves‘. This collaboration showcased her versatility as an artist who can adapt her distinctive vocal style to various musical landscapes while maintaining her artistic integrity.
In 2022, she featured on BTS star RM’s debut solo album ‘Indigo’ on the opening track, ‘Yun’. This unexpected cross-cultural collaboration introduced Badu to new audiences and demonstrated her continued relevance in contemporary music scenes across the globe.
Badu’s upcoming album represents a significant moment in modern soul music, as her influence has continued to grow even during her recording hiatus. Her debut album ‘Baduizm,’ released in 1997, is widely considered a landmark in neo-soul, establishing her as one of the genre’s defining voices.
Throughout her career spanning nearly three decades, Badu has collected multiple Grammy Awards and has been nominated for numerous others, cementing her status as one of R&B’s most critically acclaimed artists. Her musical style blends elements of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop with African musical traditions and philosophical themes.
The choice to work with The Alchemist signals an intriguing new chapter in Badu’s musical journey. Known for his work with hip-hop luminaries like Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and other notable artists, The Alchemist brings a distinctive production style that balances experimental sounds with classic hip-hop sensibilities.
Industry experts anticipate that this collaboration could result in one of the most innovative albums of Badu’s career, potentially merging her neo-soul roots with contemporary production techniques. The Alchemist’s atmospheric beats and sample-driven approach could provide a perfect backdrop for Badu’s ethereal vocals and poetic lyricism.
Beyond her musical career, Badu has remained a cultural force through her fashion influence, acting roles, and work as a certified doula. Her eclectic style and outspoken nature have made her a beloved figure who transcends the boundaries of music to become a true cultural icon.
While no release date has been confirmed for the upcoming album, the announcement alone has generated substantial buzz across social media platforms and music publications. The project is already being listed among the most anticipated releases by several major music outlets.
Fans can likely expect tour dates to accompany the album release, giving them an opportunity to experience Badu’s celebrated live performances alongside her new material. Given her comments about the importance of live shows in her artistic expression, these performances will likely be central to how she introduces her new music to the world.
