Erykah Abi Wright (born
Erica Abi Wright; February 26, 1971), better known by her stage name
Erykah Badu , is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, and actress. Badu's career began after opening a show for D'Angelo in 1994 in her hometown; Kedar Massenburg was highly impressed with her performance and signed her to Kedar Entertainment. It spawned three singles: "On & On", "Next Lifetime" and "Otherside of the Game". The album was certified triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Badu's first live album (second overall),
Live, was released on November 18, 1997. It produced two singles: "Apple Tree" and "Tyrone". The album was certified double Platinum by the RIAA. to jazz great Billie Holiday. She was a core member of the Soulquarians.
As an actress, she has played a range of supporting roles in movies including
Blues Brothers 2000,
The Cider House Rules and
House of D. She also speaks at length in the documentaries
Before the Music Dies and
The Black Power Mixtapes.