Q & A With Erykah Badu
What is the most important thing that you have learned over the years?
That we are all strong and that we are all weak. That‘s the balance. You have to learn from your mistakes and move on.
So, what have you been doing over the past few years since you released the EP Worldwide Underground in 2003?
I am a performance artist. I just record on the side. Whether you see me or not, I am always performing around the world.
You have never embraced the “Queen of Neo-Soul” title. Why is that?
Neo-Soul is dead, not hip-hop, as some would say. I don’t know what “neo-soul” is. That title was thrust upon me and D’Angelo at the time (in the late 90’s). The only thing we had in common was Kedar Massenburg who thought it was a new wave of soul music. I opened the floodgates probably.
You say hip-hop is not dead. You have still have hope in what’s being produced today?
It’s impossible for hip-hop to be dead. Hip-hop is what you live and rap is what you do. So, it’s impossible for it to be dead. Rap may be boring. Maybe that’s what people mean these days when they say it’s dead. I like a lot of the new stuff. Those same people have grown into something else. Just like rock music spun into something else.
So, are you still the self-proclaimed “analog girl in this digital world?” Or, have you given into the technology that’s ruling everything now?
I am still the analog girl, but I have discovered the miracles of the Mac. I recorded all of my songs at home and sent MP3 files. By the time I finally got to the studio, I had three complete albums. I had New Amerykah: Part 1 and New Amerykah: Part 2 which is coming out in July. I also have a magazine coming out called The Freaq Fashion. It’s a fashion and beauty magazine.
How has being a mother of two affected your artistry?
I like my children very much and both of their fathers (Andre 3000 and The DOC of NWA fame). This is the new digital family. They both have my back in so many ways.
Are you going to do anymore acting?
I am thinking about it. I still get scripts. I like directing as well. I directed all of my videos. I produce all of my shows.
So, how do you feel about yourself and where you are right now as an artist?
I feel so good right now. But, I am the laziest artist. However, I have been working so hard right now and I feel so inspired. The Internet is inspiring. It gives everyone the chance to be stars. We have the chance to see each other. I can push a button and share it with the world. I am a double Pieces. We don’t communicate well, but I do have Mercury and Aquarius. My religion is my art. You don’t see the head wrap anymore because I am the head wrap.
Any parting words?
Being humble is so 2007.
Interview by Isoul H. Harris, a celebrity journalist based in Atlanta, GA (writeboy08@gmail.com)