Born in 1971 in Dallas, Texas, Erica Abi Wright adopted the professional name Erykah Badu, choosing a title where the final syllable represents the inner self. She emerged as a significant force in the late 1990s music scene, defining the neo soul movement with her debut studio album while garnering comparisons to jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday.
Early Development and Education
Raised by her mother, Kolleen Wright, Badu began performing at age four. She gained experience at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters under the mentorship of her godmother, Gwen Hargrove, and her uncle, Curtis King. She attended the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts before enrolling at Grambling State University to study theater. She departed the university in 1993 to prioritize her musical ambitions.
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Badu’s breakthrough followed a 1994 performance in Fort Worth where she opened for D'Angelo. This engagement led to a contract with Kedar Massenburg of Kedar Entertainment. Her debut, Baduizm, was released in February 1997. The project achieved triple platinum certification from the RIAA and secured Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the single On & On. Later that year, she released the live album Live, which included the hit track Tyrone.
Evolution of Sound and Film Career
In 2000, she released Mama's Gun, featuring the chart-topping single Bag Lady. Her 2003 effort, Worldwide Underground, featured the track Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop), which earned her a fourth Grammy Award. Her later discography includes the New Amerykah series, with the 2010 release New Amerykah Part Two yielding the single Window Seat. Beyond music, she has appeared in films such as Blues Brothers 2000, The Cider House Rules, and House of D.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Dallas, United States
- Education: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
- University: Grambling State University
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, poet
- Notable Works: Badu Pussy
- Primary Fields: Music composing, poetry
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name Erykah Badu?
She changed her name from Erica to Erykah, as she associated the latter with the inner self, and adopted Badu as it is her favorite jazz scat sound.
Which major awards has she received?
She has won four Grammy Awards, including wins for Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Achievements
- Notable work: Badu Pussy
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: soul and neo soul
