Download Free Erykah Badu * Songs

Erykah Badu music biography continued...

Texas, on February 26, 1971, Badu was turned on to performing by here mother who worked in the theater. Upon graduating from a performing arts high school, Badu studied theater at Grambling State University, but dropped out before graduating to pursue a music career. Working and touring with her cousin, she recorded a 19-song demo which attracted the attention of producer Kedar Massenburg, who set Badu up to record a duet with D'Angelo, "Your Precious Love," and eventually signed her to a record deal with Universal Records. Baduizm, Badu's highly acclaimed debut album, was released in early 1997 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. The lead single, "On & On," reached #12 on the singles charts in both the U.S. and UK. Badu was compared to Billie Holiday as Baduizm eventually went triple platinum and, along with "On & On," won Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremony. After giving birth to a child she had with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, she released her first live album, Live, which reached #4 on the Billboard charts, selling double platinum, and spawned another R&B hit single in "Tyrone," a tune about an immature boyfriend. Badu also collaborated with the on their breakthrough 1999 release, Things Fall Apart. She was featured on the song "You Got Me," which hit the top 40 and earned her another Grammy, this time for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. By this time, Badu's talent at seamlessly blending musical genres was in full bloom.



After taking some time off to raise her child, Badu returned in 2000 with Mama's Gun, an album which yielded the Grammy-nominated single, "Bag Lady." During this time, Badu became involved with fellow Soulquarian Common, and "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" was released as a collaboration between the two on the Brown Sugar soundtrack. "Love of My Life" hit #9 on the pop charts, topped the R&B listings, and Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy for the song in 2003. After a period of writer's block, Badu followed with 2003's Worldwide Underground, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts, and 2008's New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). Both albums were critically-lauded, and Badu's place as a musical genius secured.