Erykah Badu, the neo-soul diva who's captivated audiences for decades, is making waves in the music world once again. After a lengthy pause from releasing studio albums, spanning 15 years to be exact, Badu is gearing up to drop her sixth studio album. This project is particularly special as it's her first time teaming up with the celebrated hip-hop producer, The Alchemist.
Badu's last album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), came out in 2010, and since then, she's been busy on tour. She fondly refers to herself more as a 'performance artist', highlighting her preference for engaging audiences directly through her live shows. But this upcoming album hints at a renewed focus on studio work complemented by the magic touch of The Alchemist, known for his brilliant collaborations with artists like Freddie Gibbs, Earl Sweatshirt, and Boldy James.
Badu's Journey Back to the Studio
Despite focusing primarily on touring for the better part of 25 years, Badu hasn't been a stranger to recording. Her voice graced the Grammy-winning track '3:AM' by Rapsody and Jamie xx's 'F.U.', to name a couple. In 2015, she released a mixtape titled But You Caint Use My Phone, adding to her repertoire of solo work.
The anticipation builds as The Alchemist, enthusiastic about their studio encounters, describes the forthcoming album as 'life-altering'. Badu has reportedly put an impressive amount of time and effort into the project, which is still in the making. While fans eagerly await a precise release date, rumors are swirling that it could drop any day now.
A Partnership Formed in Dallas
The collaboration with The Alchemist isn't just a professional venture. It has roots in Badu's Dallas events, where she often teams up with legendary artists like Yasiin Bey and André 3000 for annual birthday celebrations. This setting laid the foundation for her connection with The Alchemist. Their joint project promises to bring fresh sounds and ideas, merging two formidable creative forces.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Badu's music, this album is shaping up to be a remarkable addition to her legacy. Stay tuned for what might be one of the most exciting musical releases of the year.
