Neo-soul pioneer Erykah Badu has officially announced her return to recorded music after a 15-year hiatus. The Grammy-winning artist revealed in her recent Billboard cover interview that she’s currently working on a new studio album produced entirely by acclaimed hip-hop producer The Alchemist.
Badu shared a brief teaser of the project on Instagram, which immediately sparked excitement among fans. The collaboration with The Alchemist marks a significant moment for both artists, bringing together Badu’s ethereal vocals and The Alchemist’s gritty production style that has recently gained renewed attention through his work with Griselda Records and Larry June.
Badu Set to Receive Billboard Women in Music ICON Award
Alongside her album announcement, Badu is preparing to accept the prestigious ICON award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony on March 29. This recognition celebrates her lasting impact on R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop over her nearly three-decade career.
The award acknowledges Badu’s influence on generations of artists who have cited her as a primary inspiration. Since her groundbreaking 1997 debut “Baduizm,” she has remained a cultural touchstone even during periods of limited musical output.
The Alchemist Collaboration Promises Fresh Sound
The partnership with The Alchemist signals an exciting new direction for Badu. Known for his work with hip-hop artists like Griselda and Larry June, The Alchemist brings a distinctive sound that blends dusty samples with modern production techniques.
Fans across social media have expressed particular excitement about this unexpected pairing. One Instagram user commented, “Alchemist and Badu? Can’t wait,” garnering over 450 likes. Another noted, “That’s gone be 
,” highlighting the anticipation for this musical fusion.
Fifteen Years in the Making
Badu’s last studio album, “New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh),” was released in 2010. Since then, she has focused primarily on touring and select collaborations rather than full-length projects.
“I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years,” Badu explained in her Billboard interview. “I am a performance artist. I am not a recording artist.” This perspective sheds light on her lengthy absence from the studio while maintaining her status as one of music’s most captivating live performers.
Recent Grammy Win Builds Momentum
Adding to the excitement around her comeback, Badu recently won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration with Rapsody on the track “3:AM.” The win seems to have energized her creative output.
“It snuck up on me!” Badu said about the Grammy victory. “I remember collaborating with [producer] S1 and Rapsody and we had such a good time promoting the song and I just felt like it was all for her basically. She worked very hard to get to this place.”
From Dallas to Global Icon
Despite her international fame, Badu has maintained strong ties to her Dallas roots. Born Erica Abi White, she grew up in a household filled with music, which shaped her eclectic sound and artistic vision.
“I wanted to come here and build,” Badu said about her decision to remain in Dallas. “I’m five generations in Dallas. This is my place. It’s my home.” This connection to her hometown has helped ground her even as her influence has expanded globally.
What Fans Can Expect
While details about the album remain limited, Badu mentioned that the project “has been taking up most of her time” and that “she can’t wait until she’s done.” This suggests a level of creative investment that fans haven’t seen from her in over a decade.
The timing couldn’t be better for Badu’s return. Her unique blend of neo-soul, hip-hop, and R&B has influenced countless artists in the years since her last release. Now, a new generation of listeners will get to experience fresh Badu music rather than just her legacy.
