Erykah Badu returns with a collaborative album after an 11-year hiatus
In an interview, Erykah Badu discusses her new collaborative album with the Alchemist, her first project in over a decade. She attributes her long gaps between records to a need to accumulate life experiences before writing. Badu also speaks about her work as a birth and death doula.
Badu's new project with producer the Alchemist marks her first full-length release since 2015's mixtape, following a career that began with her 1997 debut Baduizm. The pair first crossed paths during the Smokin' Grooves tour, where the Alchemist was a roadie for Cypress Hill. Their creative partnership developed after he expressed interest through a mutual friend, leading to studio sessions in Los Angeles.
The singer describes her long gaps between projects as intentional, allowing time to accumulate life experiences before writing. Beyond music, Badu works as a registered doula, assisting with both births and deaths. She also spent time with comedian Dave Chappelle at a piano the night before her interview, though she declined to share details of their late-night session.
This story could resonate beyond music fans, as Badu's unconventional approach to creative timing challenges industry norms around frequent releases. Her openness about doula work may also raise awareness of end-of-life and birth care professions. For audiences who grew up with neo soul, the album could serve as a cultural touchpoint, potentially sparking conversations about artistic patience and holistic living in an era of rapid content consumption.