Erykah Badu Collaborates with The Alchemist on Her First Album in 15 Years
Erykah Badu has returned to the studio, joining forces with acclaimed producer The Alchemist for her highly anticipated new album.
In a recent interview with Billboard, the iconic R&B singer shared insights into her creative process while offering only a glimpse of what fans can expect from the forthcoming project.
According to journalist Damien Scott, Badu has been deeply immersed in the album, and she’s eagerly awaiting its completion.
This album will be her first in 15 years, but the long gap between releases hasn’t kept Badu off the stage.
Despite not releasing a full album recently, Badu has maintained an extensive touring schedule. She explained in the interview that performing is at the heart of what she does.
“I tour for eight months every year, and that’s been my routine for the past 25 years,”
Badu said.
“I’m a performance artist, not a recording artist. I come from the theater.”
Source: Roger Kisby / Getty
Badu went on to describe the magic of live performance.
“It’s all about that immediate exchange between the performer and the audience,”
she explained.
“When we become one living, breathing organism, that’s what I live for. It’s my therapy—and theirs too. We’re in it together, and the beauty is that it only happens once.”
Her most recent solo release was the 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone, but she did earn a Grammy this year for her collaboration with Rapsody on “3:AM,” which appeared on Rapsody’s album Please Don’t Cry.
Badu reflected on her work with Rapsody, calling it one of her most enjoyable projects.
“The process was incredible,”
she said.
“Getting to know her and building a deeper friendship—it was all so organic. I remember when she FaceTimed me for the first time. She didn’t even say hello. She was just in bed, humming melodies with a microphone. It was amazing to see her creative process. She taught me to slow down.”
As for The Alchemist, he recently released Life Is Beautiful, a collaborative project with 2 Chainz and Larry June earlier this year.
Later this month, Badu will be honored with the Icon Award at Billboard‘s annual Women In Music event. Other honorees at the live-streamed celebration include Doechii (Woman of the Year), aespa (Group of the Year), and GloRilla (Powerhouse Award), among others.
The full list of awardees includes:
- Doechii – Woman of the Year
- aespa – Group of the Year
- Ángela Aguilar – Breakthrough Award
- Erykah Badu – Icon Award
- GloRilla – Powerhouse Award
- Gracie Abrams – Songwriter of the Year
- JENNIE – Global Force Award
- Megan Moroney – Rulebreaker Award (presented by Crown Royal Whisky)
- Meghan Trainor – Hitmaker Award
- Muni Long – Rising Star Award (presented by Honda Stage)
- Tyla – Impact Award (presented by Bose)
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