Erykah Badu

American singer-songwriter and producer widely credited as a pioneer of neo-soul; debuted with the 1997 album Baduizm.

Reviews emphasize Badu's distinctive voice and neo-soul style, frequently comparing her to figures from Billie Holiday to Marvin Gaye. Critics note longtime collaborators including ?uestlove and James Poyser (The Roots), Common, Roy Ayers, Roy Hargrove, Queen Latifah and Angie Stone. Key releases discussed in reviews include Baduizm (1997), Mama's Gun (2000), Worldwide Underground (2003), the New Amerykah projects and the 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone.

DeBaser reviews consistently praise Erykah Badu as a central figure of neo-soul. Baduizm (1997) is frequently called a masterpiece; Mama's Gun and Worldwide Underground are highlighted for sophistication and groove. Later projects and mixtapes receive mixed but generally positive notices.

For:Fans of neo-soul, R&B and soul; listeners interested in vocalists and album-oriented music criticism.