Erykah Badu releases her first studio album in 16 years
Erykah Badu has released her new studio album, Before The World Blows, recorded with producer The Alchemist. The album was released on August 28 through Control FREAQ Records and Young Recordings, marking the singer’s first full-length studio release in 16 years.
Badu’s previous studio album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), was released in 2010. Since then, the artist released the mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone and collaborated with Jamie xx, Rapsody and other musicians.
Work on Before The World Blows continued for 18 months in Dallas and Los Angeles. The Alchemist created the instrumental foundations, which Badu then reworked by adding kalimba, live drums and her own arrangements. The album features 16 tracks.
One of the advance releases was Witch Doctor, a nearly seven-minute track in which Badu approaches the subject of witches and magic with irony. Next 2 U and Echoes 19 (mix 122) were also released previously.
In September, Badu and The Alchemist will embark on a North American tour with De La Soul. The announced venues include Ravinia, RBC Amphitheatre, Forest Hills Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl. The artists have also announced plans to perform in the UK and Europe, although the dates have not yet been confirmed.
