Born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, Erykah Badu is a renowned American singer and songwriter. With a unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip hop influences, Badu emerged as a leading figure in the neo soul movement in the late 1990s, thanks to her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm (1997), which earned her the esteemed title “Queen of Neo Soul” among music critics.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Erica Abi Wright |
| Date Of Birth: | February 26, 1971 |
| Place Of Birth: | Dallas, Texas, U.S |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation(s):
Children |
Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, DJ, Actress |
| Labels: | Control Freaq, Motown, Universal |
| Net Worth: | 10 Million |
Early Life And Education
Erykah Badu was born in Dallas to a family that would later separate, leaving her mother to raise her and her siblings with the help of their grandmothers.
Badu’s introduction to the performing arts came at age four, when she began singing and dancing at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. By 14, she was already showcasing her talent on local radio alongside renowned artist Roy Hargrove.
As she grew older, Badu made a conscious decision to change her name from Erica to Erykah, shedding what she believed was a “slave name.” She also adopted the surname Badu, drawn to its meaning in Akan culture and its connection to her favorite jazz scat sound.
After attending Booker T. Washington High School and Grambling State University, Badu left college in 1993 to pursue music full-time. She worked multiple minimum-wage jobs to make ends meet, taught drama and dance to children, and collaborated with her cousin on a demo that caught the attention of Kedar Massenburg. He signed her to Universal Records after she recorded a duet with D’Angelo, setting the stage for her successful music career.
Career
Erykah Badu’s debut album “Baduizm” (1997) was a critical and commercial success, earning triple platinum certification and two Grammy Awards. She followed with the live album “Live” (1997) and collaborations with The Roots and Common, winning additional Grammy Awards.
After a hiatus, Badu returned with “Mama’s Gun” (2000) and “Worldwide Underground” (2003), which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart. She embarked on tours, co-founded the Sugar Water Festival, and judged the Independent Music Awards. Badu’s unique style solidified her position as a leading neo-soul artist.
Erykah Badu started making music with Questlove, Q-Tip, and J Dilla after receiving a computer. She released her fourth studio album, New Amerykah Part One, in 2008, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 359,000 copies in the US by 2010. She embarked on two world tours, The Vortex Tour and The Jam Tour, and released her fifth studio album.
Erykah Badu’s music video for “Window Seat” sparked controversy when she filmed nude at the site of JFK’s assassination without permission, intending to challenge societal conformity and “groupthink.” However, she faced backlash for filming near children, sparking debate about her artistic expression and responsibility. Since then, she has collaborated with various artists, released mixtapes, and performed at numerous concerts.
In 2015, she released “But You Caint Use My Phone” and announced a follow-up mixtape, which remains unreleased. Badu has continued to release new music, including “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Tempted”, and has confirmed her sixth studio album is coming soon. She has also collaborated with artists like D’Angelo, Teyana Taylor, and RM.
Personal Life
Erykah Badu adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2006, believing that “vegan food is soul food in its truest form” and reflects one’s pure intent.
Badu has three children: son Seven Sirius Benjamin (born 1997) with ex-partner André 3000 of OutKast, daughter Puma Sabti Curry (born 2004) with rapper The D.O.C., and daughter Mars Merkaba Thedford (born 2009) with rapper Jay Electronica, her boyfriend of five years.
Erykah Badu Net Worth
Erykah Badu’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, accumulated from her successful career as a singer, songwriter, record producer, activist, and actress in the American entertainment industry.