Erykah Badu 173129 225656482 2008-07-14T19:34:20Z SoWhy 54890 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/74.218.128.18|74.218.128.18]] to last version by DiverseMentality (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Infobox musical artist 2 |Name = Erykah Badu |Img = ErykahBadu2.jpg |Img_capt = |Background = solo_singer |Birth_name = Erica Abi Wright |Alias = |Born = {{birth date and age|1971|2|26}}<br /> [[Dallas, Texas]], [[United States]] |Died = |Origin = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] |Genre = [[Neo soul|Neo Soul]], [[underground hip hop]], [[jazz music|jazz]] |Occupation = [[Singer-songwriter]], [[actor|actress]] |Years_active = 1997&ndash;present |Label = [[Kedar Massenberg|Kedar]]/[[Universal Records|Universal]] <small>(1997&ndash;1999)</small><br />[[Motown Records|Motown]] <small>(1999&ndash;present)</small><br>Umbrella Recordings/[[Def Jam]] <small>(2000&ndash;Present)</small> |Associated_acts = [[J Dilla]], [[Betty Wright]], [[James Poyser]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]] |URL = [http://www.erykahbadu.com ErykahBadu.com] }} '''Erica Abi Wright''' (born [[February 26]], [[1971]]), better known by her [[stage name]] '''Erykah Badu''' is an [[United States|American]] [[Soul music|soul]] [[singer]] and [[songwriter]], whose work encompasses elements of [[rhythm and blues|R&B]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[jazz]].<ref name=amgbio>[http://wm09.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifpxq9hldke~T1 allmusic ((( Erykah Badu > Biography )))<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> She is best known for her role in the rise of the [[neo soul]] sub-genre, and for her eccentric, cerebral musical stylings and sense of fashion. Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for wearing very large and colorful [[Headscarf|headwraps]]. For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared to jazz great [[Billie Holiday]].<ref name=amgbio/> She was a core member of the [[Soulquarians]], and is also an actress having appeared in a number of films playing a range of supporting roles in movies such as ''[[Blues Brothers 2000]]'', ''[[The Cider House Rules (film)|The Cider House Rules]]'', and ''[[House of D]]''. ==Biography== ===Early life=== Erykah Badu was born Erica Wright in South Dallas, Texas, in 1971. Her mother raised her single-handedly along with Erykah's brother and sister, since their father, William Wright, Jr., had left the family home early on in their lives. In order to provide for her family, the children's grandmother often helped in looking after them while Erykah's mother, Kollen Maria Gipson (Wright), performed as an actress in various theatrical productions. Having been influenced significantly by her mother, Erykah had her first taste of showbiz at the tender age of 4, singing and dancing with her mother at the Dallas Theatre Centre. By the age of 14, Erykah was free-styling for a local radio station alongside such talent as [[Roy Hargrove]], who, incidentally, was a talented beat-boxer in the 80's and who is now a successful jazz musician in his own right. In her early youth, she decided to change the spelling of her name from Erica to Erykah, as she firmly believed her original name to be her 'slave' name. The term 'kah' signifies the inner self, which, when translated from Arabic, means 'can do no wrong'.<ref>[http://www.erykah-badu.com/ Erykah-Badu.com :: Your #1 Erykah Badu source!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Badu is also an African name for the 10th born child used for the [[Ashanti]] people in [[Ghana]]<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akan_name</ref><ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_4_99/ai_69202784 Erykah Badu - Brief Article - Interview | Jet | Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Additionally in a letter written to Erykah from her father, "Badu in Arabic means truth and light...good choice kid." Upon graduating from [[Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts]], Badu went on to study theater at the historically Black college [[Grambling State University]]. Choosing to concentrate on music full-time, she decided to leave the university in 1993 before graduating and took on several minimum wage jobs to support herself. She taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Working and touring with her cousin, Robert "Free" Bradford, she recorded a 19-song demo, ''Country Cousins'', which attracted the attention of [[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]].<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_4_99/ai_69202784 Erykah Badu - Brief Article - Interview | Jet | Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Music career=== ''[[Baduizm]],'' Badu's highly acclaimed debut album, was released in early 1997 and debuted at #2 on the [[Billboard 200|Billboard]] charts. Lead single "[[On & On]]" reached #12 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|singles charts]] in both the [[United States|U.S.]] and [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Badu received notice for her introspective lyrics and jazzy, bass-heavy sound, and was hailed as one of the leading lights of the burgeoning [[neo soul]] genre. Her sophisticated style of singing drew many comparisons to [[Billie Holiday]].<ref>[http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-b/erykahbadu_main.htm Rock On The Net: Erykah Badu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>''Baduizm'' eventually went triple platinum and, along with "On & On," won Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremonies. During that year, Badu became involved with rapper [[André 3000]] of [[OutKast]], with whom she had a child, Seven, who was born in 1997. Their relationship ended sometime in the late 90s. Badu recorded her first live album, ''[[Live (Erykah Badu album)|Live]]'', while pregnant with Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with the birth to her child.<ref>[http://2005.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/20741.html south by southwest festivals + conferences<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>''Live'' reached #4 on the Billboard charts, selling double platinum, and spawned another R&B hit single in "Tyrone," a song chiding a selfish, cheap, and innattentive boyfriend.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n9_v53/ai_20847763 Erykah Badu plans to make music, money and babies - Cover Story | Ebony | Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Badu also collaborated with [[the Roots]] (who had previously handled production duties on a number of tracks on ''Baduizm'') on their breakthrough 1999 release, ''[[Things Fall Apart (album)|Things Fall Apart]]''. She was featured on the song "You Got Me," co-written by [[Jill Scott]], which hit the top 40 and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. After taking some time off to raise her child, Badu returned in 2000 with ''[[Mama's Gun]]'', an album more organic in sound than her previous studio album, and primarily produced by the [[Soulquarians]] and noted bassist [[Pino Palladino]]. A remix of one of the album's songs, "[[Bag Lady]]," was issued as the first single and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. The album was well-received, with the lyrical content winning notices from many publications who found some of her lyrics hard to decipher on her initial releases.<ref>[http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/erykahbadu/albums/album/193866/review/5943545/mamas_gun Erykah Badu: Mama's Gun : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite not charting as high as her first two albums, ''Mama's Gun'' was another platinum-selling success, and "Bag Lady" was nominated for a Grammy. By 2000, Badu was in a romantic relationship with fellow Soulquarian [[Common (rapper)|Common]], and "[[Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)]]" was released as a collaboration between the two on the ''[[Brown Sugar (movie)|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.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_11_58/ai_106700555 Erykah Badu: on her career and her romance with Common - Biography | Ebony | Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After the release of ''Mama's Gun'' and "Love of My Life," Badu went through a period of writer's block.<ref>[http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/baduerykah-worldwide.shtml Erykah Badu: Worldwide Underground - PopMatters Music Review<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> She hit the road throughout 2002 and much of 2003 on what she dubbed the "Frustrated Artist Tour," in search of inspiration to write and perform new material.<ref>[http://www.toxicuniverse.com/review.php?rid=10004608 university degree online new lancaster at toxicuniverse.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The conclusion of the tour saw Badu head back to the studio with new material, and in September of 2003, the ''[[Worldwide Underground]]'' [[extended play|EP]] was released. More jam-oriented than any of her prior releases, Badu was quoted as saying that the release was designed to serve as one continuous groove.<ref>[http://netmusiccountdown.com/inc/artist.php?artist=Erykah+Badu Net Music Countdown: Erykah Badu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>''Worldwide Underground'' reached #3 on the Billboard charts and was certified gold not long after its release, and Badu received four further Grammy nominations for the EP. After almost four years and the birth of a daughter, Puma, it was revealed in 2007 that Badu had three albums in the works over the course of 2007 and 2008. [[Honey (Erykah Badu song)|Honey]], a new single produced by [[9th Wonder]], was leaked online in November 2007, and the new album, titled ''[[New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)]]'', was released on [[February 26]], [[2008]]. Part two of the album is currently slated for July 2008 release.<ref>[http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-badu_0508gl.ART0.State.Edition2.42a2f1c.html The time is right for Erykah Badu | GuideLive.com | Arts/Entertainment News and Events | Dallas-Fort Worth | The Dallas Morning News | Arts & Entertainment<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Music style== Badu's lyrics are highly personal philosophies which throw emotional challenges in the face of the listener. She weaves unusual musical influences together creating a rich texture of sound. In many instances she references [[Old school hip hop|old school]] rappers and songs in her songs, adding a general Hip hop sensibility to her music. Some music journalists have labeled her [[Nu soul]] or [[neo soul]], often comparing her to [[Billie Holiday]] in lyrical delivery and grouping her with [[D'Angelo]] in [[musical genre]]. An eclectic collaborator, she has performed with artists from many different genres and backgrounds, among them [[roots reggae]] musician and singer [[Burning Spear]]. ==Personal life== Badu has a son named Seven Sirius Benjamin born in 1997 with ex-partner [[André 3000]] of [[OutKast]] fame. On [[July 5]], [[2004]], Badu gave birth to a daughter, Puma Rose, in her Dallas home. The father of her second child is [[west coast hip hop|West Coast]] rapper [[The D.O.C.]]. She also dated rapper [[Common (rapper)| Common]] from 2000 to around 2002. Badu divides her time between [[Fort Greene, Brooklyn]]<ref>Melena Ryzik ([[March 2]], [[2008]]). [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/arts/music/02ryzi.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 The Mind of a One-Woman Multitude] ''The New York Times''. Accessed [[June 15]], [[2008]].</ref> and Dallas. She is a [[vegan]]. Badu also serves as an activist in [[South Dallas]] where she grew up. Her charity organization, Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D.) provides community-driven development for inner-city youth through music, dance, theater and visual arts. ==Acting career== Badu appeared in the films ''[[Blues Brothers 2000]]'', ''[[The Cider House Rules (film)|The Cider House Rules]]'', ''[[House of D]]'', ''Before the Music Dies'', and ''[[Dave Chappelle's Block Party]]''. She also appeared in scenes of the music video of Miko Marks' 2006 recording 'Mama' and Common's video for "[[The Light (Common song)|The Light]]" as well as making a special appearance on the sitcom ''[[Girlfriends]]''. ==Awards and nominations== * [[American Music Awards]] ** 1998, Favorite Soul/R&B Album: "Baduizm" ** 1998, Favorite R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist '''(WON)''' ** 2003, Video of the Year: "Love of My Life (Ode to Hip-Hop)" * [[BET Awards]] ** 2001, Best Female R & B Artist (nominated) ** 2003, Best Collaboration: "Love of My Life (Ode to Hip-Hop)" feat. [[Common (rapper)|Common]] (nominated) ** 2003, Best Female R & B Artist (nominated) ** 2008, Video of the Year: "Honey" (nominated) ** 2008, Best Director '''(WON)''' * [[Black Reel Awards]] ** 2000, Best Supporting Actress: [[The Cider House Rules]] ** 2003, Best Film Song: "Love of My Life (Ode to Hip-Hop)" from [[Brown Sugar]] * [[Grammy Awards]] ** 1998, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "On & On" '''(WON)''' ** 1998, Best R&B Album: "Baduizm" '''(WON)''' ** 1998, Grammy Award for Best New Artist ** 2000, Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group: "You Got Me" '''(WON)''' ** 2001, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Bag Lady" ** 2003, Best R&B Song: "Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop)" '''(WON)''' ** 2003, Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Love of My Life (Ode to Hip-Hop)" ** 2004, Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Danger" ** 2004, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Back in the Day' * [[Lady of Soul Awards]] ** 1997, Favorite Female Solo Single: "On & On" ** 1997, Favorite Female Solo Album: Baduizm ** 1997, Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year: "On & On" ** 1997, Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "On & On" ** 1998, Favorite Female Solo Single: "Tyrone" ** 1998, Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year: "Tyrone" *[[MTV Video Music Awards]] ** 1997, Best Female Video: "On & On" ** 1997, Best R&B Video "On & On" *[[NAACP Image Award]] ** 1998, Outstanding Female Artist '''(WON)''' * [[Soul Train Awards]] ** 1998, Favorite Female Soul/R&B Single: "On & On" '''(WON)''' ** 1998, Favorite Female Soul/R&B Album: ''Baduizm'' '''(WON)''' ** 1998, Favorite New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "On & On" '''(WON)''' ==Discography== {{main|Erykah Badu discography}} * 1997: ''[[Baduizm]]'' * 1997: ''[[Live (Erykah Badu album)|Live]]'' * 2000: ''[[Mama's Gun]]'' * 2003: ''[[Worldwide Underground]]'' * 2008: ''[[New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)]]'' ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== * {{imdb|0004721}} * {{amg name|2:235394}} {{Erykah Badu}} {{Soulquarians}} {{lifetime|1971|LIVING|Badu, Erykah}} {{Persondata |NAME=Wright, Erica Abi |ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Erykah Badu |SHORT DESCRIPTION=American singer |DATE OF BIRTH=[[February 26]] [[1971]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Dallas, Texas]] |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} [[Category:African American actors]] [[Category:African American female singers]] [[Category:African American singer-songwriters]] [[Category:American actor-singers]] [[Category:American female singers]] [[Category:American film actors]] [[Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters]] [[Category:American soul musicians]] [[Category:American vegetarians]] [[Category:American vegans]] [[Category:Former Five Percenters]] [[Category:Graduates of Dallas ISD]] [[Category:Grammy Award winners]] [[Category:Motown Records artists]] [[Category:Musicians from Dallas]] [[Category:Neo soul singers]] [[Category:Texas actors]] [[Category:Texas musicians]] [[cs:Erykah Badu]] [[de:Erykah Badu]] [[es:Erykah Badu]] [[eo:Erykah Badu]] [[fr:Erykah Badu]] [[hr:Erykah Badu]] [[it:Erykah Badu]] [[he:אריקה באדו]] [[hu:Erykah Badu]] [[nl:Erykah Badu]] [[ja:エリカ・バドゥ]] [[pl:Erykah Badu]] [[pt:Erykah Badu]] [[sl:Erykah Badu]] [[fi:Erykah Badu]] [[sv:Erykah Badu]]