Singer Erykah Badu to Release Her First Album in 15 Years

Nationwide — Erykah Badu is set to release her first studio album in 15 years, teaming up with renowned hip-hop producer The Alchemist. This marks her return since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), blending her signature neo-soul style with hip-hop influences.

In a recent interview, Badu expressed her excitement about the album, saying it has been her main focus. “I can’t wait until it’s done,” she added, hinting at the fresh sound she’s creating with The Alchemist, known for his work with Freddie Gibbs and Earl Sweatshirt, according to WBLS.

Badu explained that her long hiatus from creating studio albums was due to her dedication to live performances. “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 theater.”

Fans got a preview of the album when The Alchemist posted a snippet of a track titled “Valentine,” showing Badu in the studio with rapper Earl Sweatshirt. This teaser has sparked speculation about possible collaborations on the album.

While Badu hasn’t released a solo album in years, she’s remained active in the music scene, collaborating with Jamie xx on “F.U.” and winning a Grammy for her work with Rapsody on “3:AM.” Her return to music after years of touring is a highly anticipated moment for fans worldwide.