Twenty years ago today, the birth of "Baduizm" shook the world. A collaboration of head wraps, ankhs, jazz, soul, r&b, creating the perfect neo-soul soundtrack of the year 1997. Erykah Badu's "Baduizm" would later influence musicians like Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys, Oshun, and others. The Grammy award winning "Baduizm" is a neo-soil staple album for the late 1990's genre coined by Kedar Massenburg, former Motown music producer.
Not only has Erykah Badu's musicianship, creativity, and lyricism permeated the r&b world, but even within hip-hop, word to Philadelphia group The Roots being apart of the production team. With blues and soul inspiration from artists like Minnie Riperton, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday, the Dallas born songstress blended multiple genres together and took them to new heights. In the midst of "bling bling" during the late 90's, Baduizm was an organic, refreshing contrast. Not to mention her unapologetic, Afrocentrism in her personal style and lyrics that hit the mainstream with a force. These are the things that separated Badu's "Baduizm" from her neo-soul artist counterparts such as Maxwell and D'Angelo.
Badu and her "Baduizm" is bold and the definition of soul. Here are some of my favorite songs from the album:
What's your favorite song off the "Baduizm" album?
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