ERYKAH BADU

Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her debut studio album, Baduizm, was released on February 11, 1997, and contributed to her prominence in the neo soul movement, earning her the nickname "Queen of Neo Soul." The album included singles such as "On & On," "Appletree," "Next Lifetime," and "Otherside of the Game," and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her first live album, Live, released in November 1997, featured her signature song "Tyrone" and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Badu's second studio album, Mama's Gun, came out in 2000 and produced singles including "Bag Lady," which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as "Didn't Cha Know?" and "Cleva." The album was certified platinum by the RIAA. Badu's career began after she opened for D'Angelo in 1994 in Fort Worth, leading to her signing with Kedar Entertainment. Her work is influenced by R&B, soul, and hip-hop.