Erica Abi Wright (Erykah Badu) is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter.
Her music is influenced by genres such as R&B, soul and hip-hop, and she gained widespread recognition in the late 1990s with the release of her debut album, Baduizm.
The album solidified her position as a leading figure in the neo-soul movement and was hailed by music critics as the “Queen of Neo-Soul”.
Badu’s unique voice and powerful lyrics have made her a beloved and influential artist in the music industry.
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- Full name: Erica Abi Wright,
- Stage name: Erykah Badu
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1971
- Age: 53
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: American singer and songwriter.
- Height: 1.52m
- Parents: Kolleen Maria Gipson and William Wright Jr.
- Siblings: 2, Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright.
- Former spouses: André 3000 and rapper Jay Electronica.
- Children: 3, Benjamin the Seventh Sirius, Sabti Kuri the Jaguar, and Merkaba the Mars
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education.
Erykah Badu was born on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, United States. She was raised by her parents, Kolleen Maria Gipson and William Wright Jr., and she grew up with her two siblings, Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright. Badu is African American and of Christian faith.
After graduating from Dallas High School of Performing and Visual Arts and Booker T. Washington High School of Performing and Visual Arts, she studied dance and theater at Grambling State University in Louisiana.
Profession
Erykah Badu is a groundbreaking American singer-songwriter often hailed as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.” Her unique blend of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul has cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Badu’s early career and rise to fame can be traced back to her humble beginnings in Dallas, Texas. She attended the High School of Performing and Visual Arts and later studied theater at Grambling State University, where she honed her skills and developed a keen interest in the arts.
While studying, Badu worked various jobs to support herself, including teaching drama and waitressing. She also formed a band with her cousin called Erykah Free, showcasing her early talent and paving the way for her future success.
Erykah Badu is a talented and influential artist known for her fusion of soul, R&B and hip-hop. Her breakthrough moment came when her band opened for D’Angelo, which caught the attention of music producer Keda Massenberg and led to her signing to his record label.
Badu’s debut album, Baduizm, received critical and commercial acclaim, showcasing her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. Throughout her career, she continued to release acclaimed albums such as Mama’s Gun, which delved into social and political issues.
Her influence and impact on the music industry can be seen through her hit songs ‘On & On’ and ‘Bag Lady’ as well as her continued success with albums like ‘New Amerykah Part One’ and ‘Two.’ Badu’s music has also become an anthem of empowerment, making her a major figure in the music industry.
Beyond her musical influence, Erykah Badu’s legacy includes her advocacy for social justice and her fearless expression of herself. Her fearlessness and authenticity inspired a generation of artists, and her music continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
She has cemented her place in music history as a neo-soul pioneer, and her powerful sound and social commentary will continue to shape and influence the industry for years to come.
A fashion icon, she left her mark with a unique and bold style that set trends and pushed boundaries. Erykah Badu’s influence and legacy extend far beyond her music, and she will always be remembered as an icon and trailblazer in both music and social activism.
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards: Won Best R&B Female Vocal Performance, Best R&B Album, and Best Urban/Alternative Performance multiple times.
- BET Awards: Won Video of the Year and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
- Soul Train Music Awards: Won New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
- NAACP Image Awards: won Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Female Artist.
- MTV Video Music Awards: Won Best Direction and Best Cinematography.
- Awards broken down by category (Grammys, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, etc.)
- The most important awards and their impact
- Badu’s awards compared to other neo-soul artists
- Analysis of the reasons for Badu’s awards and nominations
Social media.
- Instagram account: @erykahbadu
- Facebook account: Erica Badu
- Twitter: @fatbellybella
Personal life
Erykah Badu is a successful singer-songwriter, producer, and actress. She is known for her soulful music and mysterious personality. While she is open about her artistic expression, she keeps her personal life relatively private.
However, here is a brief overview of her relationships and children: Badu was in a high-profile relationship with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, and they have a son named Seven Sirius Benjamin.
She also has a daughter named Mars Merkaba with rapper Jay Electronica. In addition, Badu has a third child named Puma Sabti Curry, but the identity of the child’s father has not yet been made public.
Record/Movie Works
Discography
- Baduizm (1997): Her debut album, a neo-soul masterpiece that showcased her unique voice and lyrical talents.
- Live (1997): A live album that captures the energy of her performances.
- Mama’s Gun (2000): A critically acclaimed album exploring themes of motherhood and spirituality.
- Worldwide Underground (2003): A more experimental album that blends multiple genres.
- New Amerykah Part One (World War IV) (2007): A concept album exploring social and political issues.
- New Amerykah Part 2 (Return of the Ankh) (2010): The second part of her concept album.
- Baduizm Live (2015): A live album celebrating her 18th anniversary.
Filmography
- Blues Brothers 2000 (1998): A comedy musical film with an all-star cast.
- Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2004): A documentary showcasing free concerts curated by Dave Chappelle.
- Television appearances: Badu has appeared as a guest on a number of television shows, including The Boondocks and Sesame Street.
net worth
Erica Abi Wright (Erykah Badu) is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter.
A multiple Grammy Award winner with a unique style that blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, Badu is also known for her soulful and powerful voice; her net worth is estimated at $10 million.
