The Evolution of Erykah Badu

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

All the Way Live - Nine months after her debut hit stores, Badu released Live, a concert album featuring songs from Baduizm and a new hit, "Tyrone" (which is oft-referenced, see R. Kelly's "When a Woman's Fed Up," for example).(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
All Wrapped Up - The Dallas-born beauty became a household name after her 1997 hit “On and On,” and her signature head wrap became just as noteworthy.   (Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)
Stars Align - First hinting at their relationship in Badu's "Next Lifetime" and "The Other Side of the Game" videos, Badu and André 3000 of OutKast gave birth to their child — her first — in 1997. The Badoula now has three younguns.(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

6 / 17

The Mystique - With Erykah mania in full bloom, Badu fans became obsessed with her trademark head wrap. Most speculated that the singer wore dreadlocks under her wrap, and while we may never know, she's been setting trends ever since.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)

ADVERTISEMENT