The Evolution of Erykah Badu

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

Wild and Free - If you’re on the fence about rocking a voluminous, picked-out Afro, we’re pretty sure Erykah will help tip the scale in favor. She’s absolutely breathtaking in this look, especially when paired with a bold, berry lip.   (Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for BET)
On Top - She’s definitely mastered the art of accessorizing her wild ‘dos, such as pairing chunky twists with an over-the-top top hat.  (Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
She's Shooting - Taking a five-year break to once again switch her sound up in 2008, Badu explored her political side with her fourth album, New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War. Though the album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, “Honey” was the only single released. She stepped behind the camera again to win an MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction for her video "Honey." (Photo: Mario Anzuoni /Landov/REUTERS)
The Bald and the Beautiful - With her striking facial features and flawless complexion, the beautifully bald Erykah proves she doesn’t need hair to make a statement.   (Photo: Laura Farr/Newsmakers)Common and Erykah Badu - When a politically-conscious rapper and a neo-soul queen get together, they're bound to make beautiful music. That's exactly what this couple did on their ode to hip hop, "Love of My Life." Sadly, they broke up in 2002 after two years of dating, and according to Common, it didn't end well. "She called me and was like, 'Hey, I don't want to be in this relationship no more. I be liking somebody else,'" the rapper recalls. Surely, a breakup like that inspired some sad love songs.  (Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

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New Horizons - As an actress, Badu has starred in The Cider House Rules with Tobey Maguire, Blues Brothers 2000 with Dan Aykroyd and House of D alongside Robin Williams. And though no acting was involved, she snagged a performance in hip hop favorite Dave Chappelle's Block Party.(Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

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