About this album

Sound: "A rich tapestry of soulful vocals and smooth grooves, blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop elements seamlessly."

Where they were

Released on February 11, 1997, 'Baduizm' was Erykah Badu's debut album, marking her emergence as a leading figure in the neo-soul movement. At this time, she had just gained attention with her single 'On & On,' which introduced her unique sound and lyrical depth to a wider audience.

Why it matters

'Baduizm' received critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Its influence reshaped the landscape of R&B and soul music in the late '90s, inspiring a generation of artists with its fusion of genres and introspective lyrics.

Essential tracks

  • "On & On" — This track showcases Badu's signature blend of soulful melodies and profound lyrics, establishing her voice in the neo-soul genre.
  • "Next Lifetime" — With its lush instrumentation and narrative depth, this song highlights Badu's ability to weave personal stories into universal themes of love and longing.
  • "Appletree" — This track combines playful lyrics with a catchy hook, exemplifying Badu's innovative approach to songwriting and production within the album.

Release Date

February 11, 1997

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Rimshot (intro) 1:57
  2. 2 On & On 3:45
  3. 3 Appletree 4:25
  4. 4 Otherside of the Game 6:33
  5. 5 Sometimes (mix #9) 0:44
  6. 6 Next Lifetime 6:26
  7. 7 Afro (Freestyle skit) 2:04
  8. 8 Certainly 4:43
  9. 9 4 Leaf Clover 4:34
  10. 10 No Love 5:08
  11. 11 Drama 6:02
  12. 12 Sometimes… 4:10
  13. 13 Certainly (Flipped It) 5:26
  14. 14 Rimshot (outro) 2:19