Erykah Badu Quotes

A collection of quotes by Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Known for her distinct voice and eclectic musical style, Badu has made significant contributions to the neo-soul and R&B genres.

Badu's musical journey began in the late 1990s when she caught the attention of the industry with her debut album, "Baduizm," released in 1997. The critically acclaimed album featured hits like "On & On" and "Next Lifetime," earning her widespread recognition and numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.

Throughout her career, Badu has continued to produce a string of successful albums, experimenting with different sounds and incorporating elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and spoken word poetry into her music. With her distinct fashion sense and thought-provoking lyrics, she has carved a unique artistic niche for herself.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Badu has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as "The Cider House Rules" and "Blues Brothers 2000." She is also known for her socially conscious activism and advocacy for various causes, including women's rights and social justice.

Erykah Badu's ability to blend genres, push artistic boundaries, and convey raw emotion through her music has made her an icon and influential figure in the music industry. As a trailblazer for neo-soul, she has left an indelible mark on contemporary R&B and continues to inspire artists to this day.

From then on, I realized this is what I want to do, what I'm

From then on, I realized this is what I want to do, what I'm supposed to do: Giving energy and receiving it back through applause. I love it. That's my world. I love it. I enjoy it. I live for it.

Love Applause

Music and the music business are two different things.

Music and the music business are two different things.

Business

I planned my success. I knew it was going to happen.

I planned my success. I knew it was going to happen.

Success

What I work hard at doing is staying on a path of being kind

What I work hard at doing is staying on a path of being kind and showing and proving that I'm a good person to society. That's hard. The talent, that's a gift. I just came here like that.

Society

When you're in a relationship you want it to work. My parent

When you're in a relationship you want it to work. My parents did, I did. But we are not taught how to make it work.

Relationship

No one chooses to raise children alone.

No one chooses to raise children alone.

Alone

I am not systematic at all when it comes to religion. I just

I am not systematic at all when it comes to religion. I just love life. And I'm not judgmental. And I'm a vegetarian.

Religion

Man, I don't want to have nothing to do with computers. I do

Man, I don't want to have nothing to do with computers. I don't want the government in my business.

Business

I have the ability to sing with emotion and feeling, but if

I have the ability to sing with emotion and feeling, but if you say I sound like Billie Holiday, that's cool. Let's look at who Billie was: she was this person, this singer, this beautiful diva who could move the audience with the slightest gesture of her hand.

Cool

What does music mean to me? I don't think I would really be

What does music mean to me? I don't think I would really be much without it, without it coming through me. It's my means of communication, my means of growth, my means of transportation from one point in my life to another.

Communication

I'm free. I just do what I want, say what I want, say how I

I'm free. I just do what I want, say what I want, say how I feel, and I don't try to hurt nobody. I just try to make sure that I don't compromise my art in any kind of way, and I think people respect that.

Art

Personally, I don't choose any particular religion or symbol

Personally, I don't choose any particular religion or symbol or group of words or teachings to define me. That's between me and the most high. You know, my higher self. The Creator.

Religion

Artists need some kind of stimulating experience a lot of ti

Artists need some kind of stimulating experience a lot of times, which crystallizes when you sing about it or paint it or sculpt it. You literally mold the experience the way you want. It's therapy.

Experience

I think a lot of people have lost respect for the individual

I think a lot of people have lost respect for the individual, you know, the individual, the person who doesn't conform.

Respect

The music business is motivated by money. Music is motivated

The music business is motivated by money. Music is motivated by energy and feelings.

Business

But now I realize that this record business really needs me.

But now I realize that this record business really needs me. No one else is trying to take a chance or do something different.

Business