Erykah Badu performing on stage
20: Hello
Featured on her 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone, “Hello” is a standout track that reimagines the classic hit originally by Todd Rundgren and later popularized by The Isley Brothers. This rendition is particularly notable for being a collaboration with André 3000, Badu’s former partner. Their personal history adds layers of emotional resonance to the duet, which was inspired by their son, Seven. The song concludes with a poignant harmony between Badu and André 3000, serving as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of family.
19: Other Side Of The Game
“Other Side Of The Game,” the third single from her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm, offers a narrative of a woman grappling with the ethical complexities of loving someone involved in criminal activities. The song’s production is a masterclass in understated groove, blending jazz and R&B elements with a deep, resonant bassline. This track perfectly encapsulates the sensual and introspective sound that made Baduizm a defining album of the 90s neo-soul scene, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.
18: Window Seat
The lead single from New Amerykah Part Two (Return Of The Ankh), “Window Seat,” is a smoothly seductive mid-tempo track that became widely known for its provocative music video. Shot in a guerilla filmmaking style in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, the video depicted Badu disrobing as she walked through the plaza before being symbolically shot, a stark reference to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy at the same location. This bold visual statement amplified the song’s themes of vulnerability and public scrutiny, making it a memorable and talked-about release.
17: Telephone
“Telephone” stands as a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to the late J Dilla, a frequent collaborator and close friend who tragically passed away from a rare blood disease. Written in the immediate aftermath of his death, the song is imbued with raw emotion and grief. Inspired by a conversation with Dilla’s mother, who recounted dreams where Ol’ Dirty Bastard guided him home after death, “Telephone” is a touching meditation on loss and remembrance, showcasing Badu’s ability to infuse personal experiences into her music.
16: Back In The Day
Released within the expansive project Worldwide Underground in 2003, “Back In The Day” exemplifies the album’s commitment to rich, analog textures. Despite being marketed as an EP, Worldwide Underground surpassed the length of many full-length albums, highlighting Badu’s ambitious and genre-bending approach. “Back In The Day” is driven by deep basslines, ethereal keyboard melodies, and funky guitar riffs, creating a nostalgic soundscape for Badu’s ode to carefree youth and shared experiences with friends.
15: Time’s A Wastin’
A standout cut from her sophomore album Mama’s Gun, “Time’s A Wastin’” blends funky bass rhythms with sweeping strings and playful keyboard accents. These musical elements underscore Badu’s lyrical message, a cautionary narrative aimed at a young Black man. The song effectively uses its sonic palette to enhance the weight of its advice and social commentary. It concludes with a subtle yet delightful nod to Johnny Hammond’s rare-groove classic “Can’t We Smile,” bridging musical generations and influences.
14: Soldier
New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) marked a significant stylistic and thematic shift for Erykah Badu. “Soldier” is a prime example of this evolution, featuring a cutting-edge hip-hop sound built around an airy flute sample juxtaposed with sharp, minimalist beats crafted by producer Karriem Riggins. This sonic backdrop provides the foundation for Badu’s unflinching exploration of racial inequality and the struggles of Black communities, solidifying her role as a socially conscious artist pushing musical boundaries.
13: Fall In Love (Your Funeral)
Another production gem from Karriem Riggins, “Fall In Love” embodies the warm, analog-infused sound that defined New Amerykah Part One’s successor, Return Of The Ankh. The track is a seamless fusion of classic R&B smoothness and hip-hop assertiveness. Its lush instrumentation and rhythmic complexity make it a standout example of Badu’s ability to blend genres while maintaining a distinct and cohesive artistic vision.
12: Tyrone (live version)
Following the overwhelming success of her debut album, Erykah Badu made a bold career move by releasing a live album early in her career. Live, released in 1997, captured the raw energy of her performances and introduced audiences to new material. “Tyrone,” performed live and included on the album, was a freshly written song at the time, a sharp-tongued and humorous rebuke of a freeloading partner. The live rendition, and its enthusiastic audience reception, quickly became legendary, showcasing Badu’s charismatic stage presence and songwriting prowess.
11: Me
Many of Erykah Badu’s most compelling tracks are extended explorations of groove and rhythm, and “Me” is a particularly luxurious example. Produced by Shafiq Hussein of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, the song unfolds over a bed of shuffling beats, tight basslines, and gentle brass arrangements. Against this rich musical tapestry, Badu delivers a powerful and introspective ode to self-love and acceptance, resonating with themes of personal empowerment and inner peace.
10: Didn’t Cha Know
“Didn’t Cha Know,” the second single from Mama’s Gun, has its origins in a pivotal visit to J Dilla’s Detroit studio in 1998. The song is built upon a sample from the jazz-funk group Tarika Blue’s 1977 track “Dreamflower,” a sample Badu discovered while immersed in Dilla’s extensive record collection. This sample choice highlights Badu’s deep appreciation for musical history and her skill in recontextualizing vintage sounds into contemporary masterpieces.
9: Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long
Continuing a thematic thread from “Other Side Of The Game” and Worldwide Underground’s “Danger,” “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” concludes a trilogy of songs exploring the perspective of a woman involved with a wayward hustler. This track serves as a sensual and reflective denouement to the narrative arc. Its soulful reggae-infused rhythm is notably derived from Wings’ 1979 album track “Arrow Through Me,” demonstrating Badu’s eclectic musical influences and her talent for blending diverse genres.
8: On & On
Erykah Badu’s debut single, “On & On,” made an immediate and significant impact upon its release. Achieving chart success on both sides of the Atlantic, it earned her a Grammy Award and propelled the burgeoning neo-soul movement into the mainstream. The song’s innovative blend of classic jazz harmonies and hip-hop rhythms remains remarkably fresh and timeless, marking a pivotal moment in contemporary music and establishing Badu as a major force.
7: AD 2000
“AD 2000” stands as a poignant lament for Amadou Diallo, who was tragically killed by NYPD officers in 1999. The song is underpinned by a breathtakingly beautiful instrumental arrangement reminiscent of Stevie Wonder’s signature sound. Featuring lyrical and vocal contributions from soul legend Betty Wright, “AD 2000” is arguably Badu’s most overtly powerful and emotionally resonant protest song, addressing themes of social injustice and police brutality with grace and sorrow.
6: Master Teacher Medley
A standout track from New Amerykah Part One, the “Master Teacher Medley,” featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow, is one of Badu’s most experimental and avant-garde compositions. This medley has had a lasting cultural impact, particularly through its introduction of the “Stay Woke” concept. This call to action for the Black diaspora to remember their historical roots and collective identity has resonated deeply and become a significant phrase in contemporary social discourse.
5: Next Lifetime
“Next Lifetime” is a quintessential neo-soul ballad, exploring the complex emotions of romantic longing and conflicted desires. From the perspective of a woman already in a relationship but drawn to someone else, the song unfolds as a bittersweet tale of longing and what-ifs. Its poetic and metaphysical slant is encapsulated in the memorable line, “Well I guess I’ll see you next lifetime/Maybe we’ll be butterflies,” adding a layer of ethereal beauty to its emotional depth.
4: Honey
Characteristically playful and unconventional, Erykah Badu strategically placed “Honey” as an unlisted track at the end of New Amerykah Part One, effectively concealing one of her most vibrant and danceable tracks. The song begins with a re-interpretation of RAMP’s “The American Promise” before transitioning into an uplifting, P-funk inspired groove. “Honey” is a celebration of life and joy, showcasing Badu’s range and her ability to seamlessly blend introspective artistry with infectious rhythms.
3: I Want You
The epic centerpiece of Worldwide Underground, “I Want You,” stretches over ten minutes, drawing direct inspiration from Marvin Gaye’s sensual soul epics. James Poyser’s masterful keyboard work is central to the track, mimicking the quickening heartbeat of infatuation and desire. “I Want You” is a deep dive into lust and longing, showcasing Badu’s ability to sustain mood and intensity over extended song structures, creating an immersive and emotionally charged listening experience.
2: Green Eyes
Badu’s breakup with André 3000 profoundly influenced “Green Eyes,” a ten-minute track that closes her Mama’s Gun album. Structured as a three-part suite, the song journeys through various emotional landscapes, starting with playful ragtime, moving into smoky jazz, and culminating in warm, brass-infused soul. “Green Eyes” is a musical exploration of the multifaceted emotions of a failing relationship, with Badu delivering one of her most raw and emotionally transparent vocal performances.
1: The Healer
“The Healer” tops our list as the quintessential Erykah Badu song, driven by Madlib’s ingenious sample of The Yamasuki Singers’ “Kono Samuarai.” This track is a powerful ode to the unifying and transformative power of hip-hop culture. As Badu explained, “There are so many ways to worship, no matter what religion you are. And to me, hip-hop is felt in all religions – it has a healing power… and everyone is listening to hip-hop. There’s something about that kicking snare sound that all kinds of people find meaning in.” “The Healer” encapsulates Badu’s artistic philosophy and her belief in music as a universal language of healing and connection.
Have we overlooked one of your favorite Erykah Badu tracks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
