Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright) is an American singer, songwriter, producer and actress from Dallas, United States. Often nicknamed the "Queen of Neo Soul", she also works under aliases including "DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown" and "FatBellyBella". Her debut album "Baduizm" (1997) helped define neo soul and earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, while the single "On & On" won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She followed with the live set "Live" and studio albums "Mama’s Gun", "Worldwide Underground", "New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)" and "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)", as well as the mixtape "But You Caint Use My Phone".
Known for blending soul, R&B, hip-hop and jazz with a distinct spiritual and Afrocentric aesthetic, Badu has released notable songs such as "Tyrone", "Bag Lady", "Window Seat" and "Didn’t Cha Know?". Her influence on contemporary R&B and alternative soul remains significant, with continued touring, DJ sets and creative projects across music and culture.
