Who Is Erykah Badu? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, Erykah Badu is 54 years old. Born in Dallas, Texas, she emerged onto the music scene in the late 1990s with her debut album, Baduizm, which earned critical acclaim and several awards. Known for her eclectic style and thought-provoking lyrics, Badu’s music often incorporates themes of love, spirituality, and social justice. Over the decades, she has released multiple albums and maintained an influential presence in the industry.
For more detailed information about her life and achievements, visit her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Soul Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Erykah Badu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Erykah Badu stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. Her weight fluctuates around 155 pounds (70 kg). Known for her bohemian style, she often sports an array of unique outfits that highlight her artistic personality. Although specific body measurements are not publicly confirmed, Badu’s confidence in her appearance encourages body positivity.
Erica Abi Wright (born February 26, 1971), known professionally as Erykah Badu, is an American singer and songwriter. Influenced by R&B, soul, and hip hop, Badu rose to prominence in the late 1990s when her debut album Baduizm (1997), placed her at the forefront of the neo soul movement, earning her the nickname "Queen of Neo Soul" by music critics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Erykah Badu has had several high-profile relationships throughout her life, including former partners such as André 3000 of OutKast and rapper Jay Electronica. As of 2025, Badu is reportedly dating a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, although details about her current boyfriend remain private. She maintains a close relationship with her three children, whom she shares with her former partners, fostering a creative and nurturing environment.
Her mother raised her, her brother Eevin, and her sister alone after separating from their father, William Wright Jr. The children's maternal and paternal grandmothers often helped look after them.
Badu began singing and dancing at the age of four at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) under the guidance of her godmother, Gwen Hargrove, and uncle TBAAL founder Curtis King.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Erykah Badu has an estimated net worth of around $10 million. Her wealth stems from her successful music career, touring, and various business ventures, including her clothing line and wellness products. Badu’s earnings reflect her status as an influential artist and entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Badu went on to study theater at Grambling State University, a historically black university. She left the university in 1993 before graduating, to focus more fully on music. During this time, Badu took several minimum-wage jobs to support herself.
She taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Working and touring with her cousin, Robert "Free" Bradford, she recorded a 19-song demo, Country Cousins, which attracted the attention of Kedar Massenburg.
He set Badu up to record a duet with D'Angelo, "Your Precious Love", and eventually signed her to a record deal with Universal Records.
Career, Business and Investments
Erykah Badu’s career spans over two decades, characterized by her innovative approach to music and performance. In addition to her albums, which include Mama’s Gun and New Amerykah Part One, she has been involved in acting, directing, and producing. Beyond music, Badu has ventured into the business sphere, launching her own line of incense and other lifestyle products that reflect her personal brand.
In recent years, she has become known for her advocacy in social issues, engaging in various philanthropic activities and investments aimed at empowering underrepresented communities.
Badu's career began after opening a show for D'Angelo in 1994 in Fort Worth, which led to record label executive Kedar Massenburg signing her to Kedar Entertainment. Badu's first album, Baduizm, was released in February 11, 1997. It spawned four singles: "On & On", "Appletree", "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, Live, was released in November 1997, and contained her signature song "Tyrone" and was subsequently certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Social Network
Erykah Badu maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where she shares updates on her music, personal life, and social advocacy. Her authentic engagement with her fans creates a loyal following that appreciates her diverse and artistic outlook on life.
On March 13, 2010, Badu filmed the video for her song "Window Seat", at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
She wrote on her Twitter feed that the video "was shot guerrilla style, no crew, 1 take, no closed set, no warning, 2 min., Downtown Dallas, then ran like hell." The team did not acquire permission or permits from the city.
In the video, Badu shed her clothes as she walked along a Dallas sidewalk until she was nude at the site where Kennedy was shot. A shot rang out as the song ended, Badu's head jerked back, and she fell to the ground. Children with their families could be seen nearby as Badu stripped.
When asked about stripping nude in the presence of minors, Badu said, "I didn't think about them until I saw them, and in my mind I tried to telepathically communicate my good intent to them. That's all I could do, and I hoped they wouldn't be traumatized."
Education
Erykah Badu attended the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, where she honed her artistic talents. She later attended the Texas Southern University, where she studied theater, although she left to pursue her music career. Despite not completing her degree, Badu’s educational journey has significantly influenced her artistic expression and business acumen.
Badu is inspired by "stimulating" experiences. She was also influenced greatly by her music teacher Ms. Goodman, who encouraged her to take up music. Badu also takes influence from her grandmother and her religious views which Erykah described as a lesson saying "When you do it, it gotta be real, or that's not it."
