Erykah Badu Net Worth: How the Queen of Neo-Soul Built Her Million’s Fortune

Erykah Badu is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, and actress who has a net worth of $10 million. Erykah Badu has earned her net worth through her hit recordings, as well as her many acting roles in films and her television appearances, and she continues to put out relevant work even as she has become a living legend of R&B and modern soul music.

Who is Erykah Badu?

Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actress. Badu’s unique sound and style have earned her the title of the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” influencing a new generation of artists. Her debut album, “Baduizm,” released in 1997, was a commercial success and laid the foundation for her future endeavors. With her distinctive voice and profound lyrics, she has become a voice for the voiceless and a champion for social justice.

Erykah Badu Early Life

Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas. She became enamored with performing music extremely early in her life, performing onstage at the Dallas Theater Center and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters starting at age four. A decade later, she was heard on a local Dallas radio station freestyling alongside jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, among other names. It was during this time that Erykah started spelling her name the way she does now as well as adopting the last name “Badu” as a reference to her favorite commonly used sound in the jazz tradition of scat singing. She graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and went on to study theater at Grambling State University but left before graduating in 1993 in order to focus more directly on music.

Erykah Badu Music Career

Badu is best known for her role in the rise of the neo-soul sub-genre.  Between 1997 and 2010, she released five studio albums (her debut album “Baduizm” being certified platinum), which brought her international fame and worldwide critical acclaim embellished with American Music, BET, and Grammy Awards, among other accolades.  In addition to her edgy, remarkable sound that contains R&B, hip hop, and jazz elements, Badu was also recognizable for wearing very large and colorful headwraps that eventually became her signature accessory. As a core member of the Soulquarians, she was often referred to as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul” or the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” while for her musical sensibilities was frequently compared to jazz great  Billie Holiday . In addition to her recording career, Erykah was a prolific tourer from 1997 to 2010.

Movie and Television Career

Badu has made numerous appearances as an actress, playing a range of supporting roles in movies such as “Blues Brothers 2000” (1998), “The Cider House Rules” (1999), and “House of D” (2004), and in 2019, she appeared in the comedy remake “What Men Want.” She’s also an authority on issues of music history and politics and has been utilized as such by speaking at length in documentaries like “Before the Music Dies” (2006) and “The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975” (2011).

Erykah Badu Personal Life

Badu has been a committed vegan since 2006, when, in characteristic fashion, she described vegan food as “soul food in its truest form. Soul food means to feed the soul. And to me, your soul is your intent. If your intent is pure, you are pure.” She was in a relationship with OutKast’s  Andre 3000  from 1995 to 1999, and in 1997, their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, was born. In 2004, she gave birth to Puma Sabti Curry, and in 2009, her third child, Mars Merkaba Thedford, was born.

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How Does Erykah Badu Spend Her Wealth?

With great wealth comes great responsibility, and Erykah Badu is known for her philanthropic efforts. She often engages in charitable work, supporting various causes, including education and social justice initiatives. Badu is also an advocate for mental health awareness and frequently uses her platform to discuss the importance of self-care and community support.

Continued Success and Collaboration

Following the success of her debut album, Erykah Badu continued to build her reputation as a prolific artist. She collaborated with various famous artists, further solidifying her position in the music industry. In 2010, she released her album “New Amerykah Part Two,” which showcased her growth and evolution as a musician. Throughout her career, Erykah Badu has graced the stage with live performances and concerts, mesmerizing audiences with her enchanting voice and stage presence.

What’s Next for Erykah Badu?

Looking towards the future, fans are eager to see what Erykah Badu will do next. Whether it’s new music, more acting roles, or further business ventures, one thing is for sure: Badu will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Her journey is far from over, and as she evolves, so will her net worth and influence in the industry.

Real Estate

Erykah Badu owns homes in her hometown of Dallas, Texas, as well as Fort Greene, New York. In the spring of 2020, fans got a good look at her home in Dallas when she started throwing a series of live quarantine “home concerts” for $1 or $2 a pop.

FAQs

What is Erykah Badu net worth?
Erykah Badu has a net worth of approximately $10 million, earned through her music, acting, and business ventures.

Why is Erykah Badu called the “Queen of Neo-Soul”?
She pioneered the neo-soul genre with her unique sound, poetic lyrics, and influence on modern R&B and soul music.

Did Erykah Badu attend college?
Yes, she attended Grambling State University to study theater but left to pursue her music career.

How many children does Erykah Badu have?
She has three children: Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, and Mars Merkaba Thedford.

Is Erykah Badu involved in philanthropy?
Yes, she supports education, social justice, and mental health awareness through various charitable efforts.

In Short

Erykah Badu’s impact on music, film, and activism is undeniable. With a net worth of $10 million, she continues to influence the industry while staying true to her artistry and values. Whether through her soulful music, acting roles, or philanthropic work, Badu remains a cultural icon whose legacy will inspire generations to come.

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