The Evolution of Erykah Badu

This week's #BMJ soundtrack feature: the Queen of Neo-Soul.

The Genesis - Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Feb. 26, 1971, and she's since helped to usher in a new era of music — where hip hop, R&B, jazz and soul intertwine — earning her the title of Queen of Neosoul.(Photo: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Lady of Soul - No other female singer stood a chance against Badu's anthem “Tyrone,” which earned her two 1998 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Single. The hit was featured on her 1997 Live album.  (Photo: David McNew/REUTERS /Landov)
Straight Spittin' - Already a performer since age 4, Badu began honing her emcee skills as a teenager. Word is she came up freestyling at local radio stations in Dallas.(Photo: Karl Walter/Getty Images)Out the Gate - Badu released her debut album, Baduizm, on Feb. 11, 1997. Featuring singles like "On & On," "Next Lifetime" and "The Other Side of the Game," the CD sold three million copies domestically.(Photo: Scott Gries/ImageDirect)

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The Genesis - Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Feb. 26, 1971, and she's since helped to usher in a new era of music — where hip hop, R&B, jazz and soul intertwine — earning her the title of Queen of Neosoul.(Photo: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

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