The 10 best Erykah Badu songs of all time

Erykah Badu is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and activist known for her unique blend of soul, R&B, funk, and hip hop. Born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas in 1971, Badu rose to prominence in the late 1990s with her debut album *Baduizm* (1997). The album’s neo-soul sound and introspective lyrics garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing Badu as a leading figure in the genre.

Badu’s music often deals with themes such as love, spirituality and social awareness. Hits such as “On & On,” “Next Lifetime” and “Bag Lady” showcase her soulful vocals and poetic songwriting. She is known for her eclectic fashion sense, artistic creativity and commitment to social issues such as women’s rights and racial equality.

Throughout her career, Erykah Badu has evolved musically, collaborating with various artists and pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B and soul music. Her distinctive voice and influential contributions have made her a beloved and respected figure in the music industry.

1. Window seat

“Window Seat” is a song by Erykah Badu from her album *New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)*, released in 2010. The song is characterized by its laid-back neo-soul vibe and introspective lyrics. It deals with themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the desire to break free from societal constraints. The music video for “Window Seat” attracted attention due to its controversial visual concept, in which Badu walks through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas and eventually strips naked, symbolically shaking off public expectations and turning to personal liberation. The song reflects Badu’s artistic depth and her ability to combine soulful melodies with thought-provoking social commentary.

2. Honey

“Honey” is a song by Erykah Badu from her 2008 album “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)”. The track is characterized by its smooth neo-soul vibe and laid-back groove. Badu’s soulful vocals glide effortlessly over a mix of jazz, funk and hip-hop-inspired instrumentation.

Lyrically, “Honey” deals with themes of love, sensuality and self-empowerment. Badu’s poetic lyrics and intimate delivery create a captivating and seductive atmosphere, drawing listeners into the sensual and soulful world of the song.

“Honey” received positive reviews for its innovative sound and Badu’s impressive vocal performance, cementing her reputation as a pioneer of the neo-soul genre. The song remains popular with fans due to its infectious rhythm and Badu’s ability to blend classic soul influences with contemporary musical elements.

3. Hello ft. Andre 3000

“Hello” is a song by Erykah Badu featuring André 3000, released in 2000 as part of her album *Mama’s Gun*. The track features Badu’s soulful vocals and André 3000’s distinctive rapping style that blends elements of R&B and hip-hop. The song’s lyrics cover themes of love, communication, and connection, with André 3000’s verse adding a playful and introspective dimension to the collaboration. “Hello” received critical acclaim for its smooth production, engaging lyrics, and the chemistry between Badu and André 3000 that highlights their respective talents and contributes to the album’s success.

4. The Healer

“The Healer” is a song by Erykah Badu featuring rapper and producer Madlib, released in 2008 as part of her album “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)”. The song is known for its socially critical lyrics and its innovative mix of hip hop, jazz and funk elements.

Lyrically, “The Healer” tackles themes of cultural and spiritual healing, social justice, and the power of music as a transformative force. Badu’s soulful vocals are complemented by Madlib’s laid-back production style, which includes eclectic samples and complex beats.

“The Healer” received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth, musical experimentation, and Badu’s powerful vocal performance. The song showcases Badu’s ability to blend her soulful roots with contemporary hip-hop influences, making it a standout track in her discography and a testament to her artistic evolution.

5. Tyrone

“Tyrone” is a song by Erykah Badu from her album *Live* (1997), later featured on her album *Mama’s Gun* (2000). The song is known for its raw and soulful delivery during live performances. It has a conversational tone in which Badu addresses a lover’s weaknesses and advises him to pack his things and leave, urging “Tyrone” to handle the situation. “Tyrone” became one of Badu’s best known songs, showcasing her ability to blend soul, hip hop, and jazz influences while delivering poignant and relatable lyrics. The song remains a fan favorite and a highlight in Badu’s discography.

6. Other side of the game

“Other Side of the Game” is a song by Erykah Badu from her debut album *Baduizm* (1997). The song is an example of Badu’s signature neo-soul style, blending influences from soul, jazz, and hip hop. Lyrically, “Other Side of the Game” tackles themes of love, struggle, and loyalty, focusing on the challenges a woman must face in a relationship with a man involved in illegal activities. Badu’s emotive vocals and poetic lyrics convey a sense of empathy and introspection, offering a nuanced perspective on complex social issues. The song’s smooth groove and sophisticated production contributed to its critical acclaim and established Badu as a leading voice in contemporary R&B and soul music.

7. The Bag Lady

“Bag Lady” is a song by Erykah Badu, released in 2000 as part of her album “Mama’s Gun”. The song is known for its soulful melody and poignant lyrics that deal with the emotional baggage and burdens that people carry in life.

Lyrically, “Bag Lady” encourages listeners to let go of emotional baggage and past hurts in order to move on. The metaphor of carrying too many bags symbolizes the burden of unresolved issues and the importance of emotional healing and self-care.

Musically, the song features Badu’s smooth vocals over a soulful groove that blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, and jazz. “Bag Lady” was a critical and box office success, and resonated with audiences for its powerful message and Badu’s emotional delivery. It remains one of Erykah Badu’s best-known songs, celebrated for its depth and timeless appeal.

8. Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop) ft. Common

“Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” is a song by Erykah Badu featuring rapper Common, released on the soundtrack to the 2002 film Brown Sugar and later included on Badu’s album Worldwide Underground. The song celebrates the essence of hip hop culture and deals with themes of love, creativity and artistic expression.

Musically, “Love of My Life” is characterized by its infectious groove and soulful atmosphere, with Badu’s smooth vocals blending seamlessly with Common’s poetic verses. The song features samples from Roy Ayers’ “Searching” and pays homage to the golden era of hip-hop with references to iconic artists and moments in the genre’s history.

Lyrically, the song reflects on the influence of hip-hop on both artists’ lives, emphasizing its role as a source of inspiration and empowerment. “Love of My Life” received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic feel, lyrical depth, and the chemistry between Badu and Common. It remains a popular track among fans of both artists and a testament to their contributions to the music industry.

9. Always further

“On & On” is a song by Erykah Badu, released in 1997 as the first single from her debut album “Baduizm”. The song helped Badu break through and is celebrated for its laid-back neo-soul vibe and introspective lyrics.

Musically, “On & On” features a smooth groove with elements of jazz and R&B, complemented by Badu’s soft vocals and poetic lyrics. The song’s production, which includes a prominent bass line and subtle instrumentation, creates a relaxed and soulful atmosphere that resonated with the audience.

Lyrically, “On & On” deals with themes of self-discovery, spirituality and personal growth. Badu’s lyrics reflect her introspective journey and philosophical musings, offering insight into the complexities of life and the pursuit of inner peace.

The song received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, earning Badu her first Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1998. “On & On” remains a cornerstone of Badu’s discography and a classic example of her unique blend of soul, jazz and hip hop influences.

10. Didn’t know that?

“Didn’t Cha Know” is a song by Erykah Badu, released in 2000 as part of her album “Mama’s Gun”. The track is known for its dreamy, soulful mood and introspective lyrics that deal with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Musically, “Didn’t Cha Know” features a laid-back groove with a prominent bass line and jazzy instrumentation, including keyboards and subtle percussion. Badu’s smooth and soulful vocals glide over the music, creating a hypnotic and atmospheric feel.

Lyrically, the song reflects on past relationships and personal growth, exploring the complexities of love and the uncertainties of life. Badu’s introspective lyrics and moody delivery resonate with listeners, offering insight into her emotional journey and inner reflections.

“Didn’t Cha Know” received positive reviews for its soulful sound, lyrical depth, and Badu’s artistic expression. It remains a fan favorite and a standout track in Erykah Badu’s repertoire, showcasing her ability to blend soul, jazz, and hip-hop influences into a cohesive and captivating musical experience.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.