Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, is an American singer and songwriter. With influences from R&B, soul, and hip hop, Badu became a prominent figure in the late 1990s neo soul movement. Her debut album, Baduizm, released in 1997, showcased her talent and earned her the title of 'Queen of Neo Soul' by music critics. Badu's career took off after she opened for D'Angelo in 1994, leading to a record deal with Kedar Entertainment. Her albums, including Baduizm and Mama's Gun (2000), achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. Badu continues to be an influential figure in the music industry with her unique blend of genres and powerful vocals.