The “Queen of Neo-Soul,” Erykah Badu, is a force to be reckoned with. She entered the music industry in the late ’90s and took off running. Her 1997 debut album, “Baduizm,” achieved critical acclaim for its sultry vocals, ’70s sound, and soulful lyrics. Badu’s unique sound was a fusion of ’70s beats with conscientious rap and pan-Africanism. Fans and critics couldn’t get enough of her sound; it’s why “Baduizm” won Best R&B Album at the 1998 Grammy Awards.
Although her next body of work, 2000’s “Mama’s Gun,” didn’t receive the same financial or commercial success as her debut, she didn’t back down and became a one-hit wonder. Instead, the Dallas native doubled down and produced the 2008 hit project, “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War),” which is considered one of the best albums of the 21st century, according to The Guardian.
In celebration of Badu’s birthday — the star turned 53 on Feb. 26 — we dug into her decades-long discography. Below, we explore Erykah Badu’s best songs, from popular tunes like “Didn’t Cha Know” to hidden records like “Soldier.”
1. Didn’t Cha Know
Just because a song is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best — except in the case of Badu. 2000’s “Mama’s Gun” received a lukewarm reception, but fans loved the single, “Didn’t Cha Know.” The jazzy song samples funk group Tarika Blue’s “Dreamflower” and reinvents the sound into a sultry, smooth tune that you can’t just help to keep on repeat.
2. On & On
“On & On” differs, as it’s more upbeat but still maintains Badu’s distinct jazzy and soul sound. The 1997 song is her debut single that (re)introduced the neo-soul movement into the musical mainstream and catapulted her to stardom. It also helped Badu win the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy Award in 1998.
3. A.D. 2000
While fans love “Didn’t Cha Know,” some of Erykah Badu’s best songs are protest pieces! The neo-soul singer receives credit for her unique sound and jazzy voice, but her songwriting is equally special.
“A.D. 2000,” a track from “Mama’s Gun,” is a melodic tribute to Guinean immigrant Amadou Diallo, who New York City police officers murdered in February 1999. The song serves as a reminder to many fans about how little Black life is valued in the eyes of society. It’s not Badu’s most well-known single, but it is one of the most impactful because of its emotional lyrics and provocative sound.
4. Soldier
“Soldier,” the 2008 breakout song from Badu’s sixth studio album, “New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War,” also makes a huge impact. As the song’s name suggests, the track talks about global injustices — from Hurricane Katrina to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. She croons over a funky beat, affirming her support to the soldiers fighting for a more equitable world. It’ll take a couple of listens to get into it, but once you sit with her lyrics, you’ll see her artistry and the genius behind it.
5. Bag Lady
One of the most notable Badu records is “Bag Lady.” The “Mama’s Gun” album track melodically shows how holding on to unnecessary baggage can impact your well-being. While it’s human to overthink and process life’s ups and downs, we shouldn’t let it bring us down. After all, holding on to baggage can prevent you from moving forward. Release what no longer serves you, and look forward with gratitude. Thanks for the lesson, Mama Badu.
Badu has spent over two decades in the music industry, and she’s still selling out venues. In a music era where sex sells (and sometimes doesn’t), it’s hard to monetize thought-provoking music, but the singer cracked the code a long time ago.
“Didn’t Cha Know” was trending on TikTok in 2023, with many creators using her voice as background music for their 10-second videos. When music can transfer from generation to generation, you can’t deny its artistry. And if that’s not talent, then we don’t know what is.
What do you think are Erykah Badu’s best songs? Let us know in the comment section below.
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