Erykah Badu

Guide Note

Erykah Badu is a popular Neo Soul and R&B artist who has had numerous hits throughout her four studio albums. Early in her career she became noteworthy due her use of extension, weaves, and hairwraps calling it "an extension of art". Erykah is an activist in Dallas for the group Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D.) that provides music, dance, theater and visual art programs for inner city children.

Fast Facts

1. Real Name: Erica Abi Wright
2. Born: February 26, 1971
3. Record Label: Motown Records
4. Hometown: Dallas, Texas
5. Genre: Neo Soul
6. Years Active: 1997–present
7. Grammy Awards: 1

Badu attended a school of the arts and was working as a teacher and part-time singer in [Dallas]] when she opened for D'Angelo at a 1994 show. D'Angelo's manager, impressed with the performance, hooked Badu up with the singer to record a cover of the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet "Precious Love." He also signed Badu to his recently formed Kedar Entertainment label, and served as producer for Baduizm.

• 1997: Baduizm
• 1997: Live
• 2000: Mama's Gun
• 2003: Worldwide Underground
• 2008: New Amerykah Part One 4th World War
• 2008: New Amerykah Part Two Return of the Ankh