Erykah Abi Wright (born Erica Abi Wright; February 26, 1971), better known by her stage name Erykah Badu (/ˈɛrɨkə bɑːˈduː/), 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. Her first album, Baduizm, was released on February 11, 1997. 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. Badu's second album (third overall), Mama's Gun, was released on October 31, 2000. It spawned three singles: "Bag Lady", "Didn't Cha Know?" and "Cleva". The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Badu's third album (fourth overall), Worldwide Underground, was released on September 16, 2003. It generated two singles: "Danger" and "Back in the Day (Puff)". The album was certified Gold by the RIAA. Badu's fourth album (fifth overall), New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), was released on February 26, 2008. It spawned two singles: "Honey" and "Soldier". New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) was release in 2010 and fared well both critically and commercially.