Erykah Badu – Baduizm 

Baduizm is a rekkid I’ve wanted to add to my collection for the longest time. You don’t see it come by often, certainly not new (sealed), so when I saw it flash past my screen, I grabbed it without a second thought. 

This is the debut album by Erykah Badu, known for her outrageous hair and that distinct vocal. To try and put Baduizm in a single category is hard, very hard. Originally released in 1997 the production on this album sounds as crisp as the day it was released.  

The Journey  

The road to getting this album made was hard. Erykah took a tough decision to leave University to focus on making music and after a short tour with her cousin, Robert Bradford, she recorded a demo, and this eventually led to her record deal with Universal Records.  

The vision of Kedar Massenburg, president of Motown Records from 1997 to 2004, paid off in bucket loads. Baduizm hit the US Billboard at number two and went on to three times platinum!  

Influence  

Of course, we know that “On & On” went on to win a Grammy award and let’s not forget “Apple Tree”, but honestly, this album is just perfect from start to finish. 

Baduizm was recorded at Battery Studios in New York City, Sigma Sounds & Ivory Studios in Philadelphia, and Dallas Sound Lab in Dallas. Something I later learnt was that Brandy’s first rekkid was one of Badu’s inspirations while writing Baduizm. Amazing to know and definitely not a connection I would have made.  

Baduizm was loved by fans and critics alike.  

Awards 

1997 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards 

• Favorite Female Solo Single for "On & On" 
• Favorite Female Solo Album for Baduizm 
• Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year for "On & On 

1998 American Music Awards  

• Favorite R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist 

1998 Grammy Awards 

• Baduizm - R&B Album  

Baduizm will be on my turntable this weekend, that’s for sure.  

What rekkid will be on yours?