*Erykah Badu is ready to break her long hiatus from album releases.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Badu revealed she is working on a new studio album, marking her first full-length project in 15 years. This highly anticipated release follows her 2010 album “New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh,” which explored themes of love and spirituality. It was the second installment of a two-part series that began with the politically charged “New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War” in 2008.
Badu told Billboard that she can’t wait for the album to be completed, hinting at the excitement surrounding this new chapter in her musical career. “I can’t wait until I’m done with this new music,” Badu shared.
“I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years. That’s what I do. I am a performance artist. I am not a recording artist. I come from the theatre,” she told Billboard.
“It’s the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling. The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That’s what I live for. It’s my therapy. And theirs, too. We’re in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once,” she continued.
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Neo-soul pioneer Erykah Badu (@fatbellybella) is a true original — and remains a touchstone for artists of all kinds. ?
She reflects on her career + prepping her first album in 15 years in her cover story as #BBWomenInMusic‘s ICON honoree: https://t.co/X6Q2zhtY8t pic.twitter.com/7Li4jXFFpV
— billboard (@billboard) March 19, 2025
The album will be produced entirely by The Alchemist, a well-known figure in hip-hop production, whose past collaborations include artists like Freddie Gibbs, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Westside Gunn. Badu’s decision to work with The Alchemist signals a promising fusion of her soulful style with his intricate beats.
Although Badu hasn’t released an album since 2010, she has stayed connected to music through collaborations. In 2024, she featured on the track “3:AM” by artist Rapsody, which went on to win the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Badu explained her selective approach to collaborations, telling Billboard that she only works with musicians whose music she genuinely enjoys.
At 54 and three decades into her career, Badu remains an influential figure in the industry. She continues to perform live, having recently graced the stage at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles. Additionally, in April, she is set to headline Dreamville’s fifth and final festival alongside Lil Wayne and J. Cole.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Erykah Badu Honored with CFDA Fashion Icon Award | Video
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