– // Essential Listening –
A seminal album for the neo-soul movement, Erykah Badus breathtaking debut LP elevated the fledgling subgenre into the mainstream, and the American singer-songwriter to universal reverence. Released in 1997, Baduizm was an instant shot in the arm for a stagnant R&B landscape, propelled by Badus grit-laden double-reed voice and bluesy delivery that justifiably drew comparisons to greats such as Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.
Lyrically, Baduizm was the poetic, existential and spiritual counterpoint to the slick superficiality of the contemporary status quo. Musically, Badu’s organic and emotive approach was lush and laidback, harkening back to classic soul and R&B, but juxtaposing them with modern hip-hop beats. Anchored by hits such as “On & On”, “Next Lifetime”, “Otherside of the Game”, and “Appletree” – Baduizms inspiring confluence of social consciousness and bewitching soul remains timeless. –
WhenBaduizmdebuted on February 11, 1997, it was jam-packed with concepts that spoke to a higher consciousness. Lead single On & On, the song that first brought her to wider public attention, makes several references to the teachings of theFive Percent Nation, a cultural movement grounded in the belief that all black people are divine. A core part of the Five-Percenter doctrine revolves around the idea of the black man as God. ButBaduizmwas more concerned with the empowered black woman, putting her work, relationships, family values, and quest for knowledge under the lens.
The albums melodies and instrumentation reflected a range of influences, most notably jazz, soul, hip-hop, and R&B. Blended as they were onBaduizm,the result was branded as neo-soul, a concept attributed to record exec andDAngelomanager William Kedar Massenburg. He signed Badu to her first label deal and releasedBaduizmon Kedar Entertainment, his imprint via Universal Records. Massenburg was already marketing DAngelo as an alternative R&B artist when an early Badu demo landed in his lap, and Erykah [was] a natural for me to follow that blueprint, he boasted toBillboard.
Erykah Badus role in neo-soul made her a visionary of the modern soul revival, and its an influence that reverberates still throughJanelle Mone,Solange,D.R.A.M., and many more. But more than just representing a moment in time, Badu emerged from the neo-soul haze unscathed, with a classic debut firmly in her pocket and an unwavering drive to inspire and create. Thats what shes here for. And shes still fly. Pitchfork
Item description:
|
Artist:
|
Erykah Badu
|
|
Title:
|
Baduizm
|
|
Label:
|
Motown
|
|
Format:
|
2 Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue,Gatefold
|
|
Reissued
|
2023 (Original: 1997)
|
|
Genre:
|
Soul
|
|
Style:
|
Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B, Female Vocals
|
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.