Probably one of the most influencial people in my life, artistically, is Erykah Badu. When I was in the 7th grade, one of my good friends, Malingua Hall, was playing this crazy good CD in the car when they were dropping me off from basketball practice one day. Before I got out of the car I remember telling Malingua and her Mom that I didn’t know what kinda music that was, but I really liked it. I had never heard anything that powerful and soulful… and sassy. Malingua’s mom hooked it up and let me borrow that CD for a week.
This album was Erykah Badu’s Live. Released in 1997. It was brand new off the shelf. In a small way, maybe a large way, I think that CD changed my life. For one, I mean, I really got into neo soul and hip hop after digging around for more music like this. Still love that genre the most, it raised me. And it set me apart from other 7th grade white chicks in my class. Ha!
Erykah Badu’s music and lyrics taught me a lot about wisdom and self respect…
… and I feel like that is a lost art amongst a lot of girls my age these days..
Next question you’re probably asking is…. my favorite track?
Next Lifetime.
It’s the tale of my life’s curse.
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