Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, USA, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, DJ, and actress. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut album Baduizm (1997), which placed her at the forefront of the neo-soul movement, earning her the title “Queen of Neo-Soul.” Known for her distinctive sound blending R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, Badu has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to shape contemporary music.
Beyond her music career, Badu is an actress, fashion icon, philanthropist, and activist. She has starred in various films, launched her own fashion and cannabis brands, and remains deeply involved in community service.
In this article, we will explore Erykah Badu’s net worth in 2025, age, height, weight, career, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, lesser-known facts, and frequently asked questions.
Erykah Badu Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erica Abi Wright |
| Stage Name | Erykah Badu |
| Nicknames | DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, Annie, Analog Girl in a Digital World, Medulla Oblongata, Manuela Maria Mexico |
| Profession | Singer-songwriter, Record Producer, DJ, Actress |
| Hometown | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1971 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 54 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 0 inches (1.52 m) |
| Weight | 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Genres | R&B, Neo-Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Conscious Hip-Hop |
| Labels | Control Freaq, Motown, Kedar, Universal |
| Formerly of | Soulquarians |
| Children | 3 (Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, Mars Merkaba Thedford) |
Early Life and Career
Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas. Raised by her mother, Kolleen Maria Gipson, after her parents separated, Badu grew up in a culturally rich environment that shaped her artistic development. She started performing at an early age, dancing and singing at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL).
At 14, she began freestyling on local radio and later changed her name to Erykah Badu, believing “Erica” was a “slave name,” and “kah” represented her inner self.
Education and Career Beginnings
- Attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
- Studied theater at Grambling State University, a historically Black college.
- Left college to pursue music, working multiple jobs while developing her sound.
- Recorded a 19-song demo, Country Cousins, with her cousin Robert “Free” Bradford, leading to her discovery by Kedar Massenburg.
- Signed with Universal Records and released her debut album Baduizm (1997), which won Grammy Awards and went triple platinum.
Musical Breakthrough
- Baduizm (1997) – Established her as a neo-soul pioneer.
- Mama’s Gun (2000) – Featured the hit “Bag Lady”.
- Worldwide Underground (2003) – Experimented with a more jam-oriented sound.
- New Amerykah Part One (2008) & Part Two (2010) – Showcased her growth as an artist.
- But You Caint Use My Phone (2015) – A conceptual mixtape inspired by modern communication.
Recent Achievements
- In 2025, Badu won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards for her collaboration with Rapsody on “3:AM.”
- Continues to influence the industry through live performances, collaborations, and activism.
Family and Relationships
Erykah Badu has been in high-profile relationships with several influential artists. She has three children from different relationships:
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Kolleen Maria Gipson | Mother |
| William Wright Jr. | Father (separated from her mother) |
| Seven Sirius Benjamin | Son (born 1997) – Father: André 3000 |
| Puma Sabti Curry | Daughter (born 2004) – Father: The D.O.C. |
| Mars Merkaba Thedford | Daughter (born 2009) – Father: Jay Electronica |
She was previously in relationships with André 3000, Common, The D.O.C., Jay Electronica, and Carl Jones.
Physical Appearance
Erykah Badu is known for her unique and ever-changing style, often featuring headwraps, afrocentric clothing, and futuristic aesthetics.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 0 inches (1.52 m) |
| Weight | 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | Not publicly known |
| Piercings | Ears |
Erykah Badu Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
Erykah Badu’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $15 million. Her wealth comes from music, acting, endorsements, and business ventures.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Sales | Album sales, streaming revenue, tours |
| Live Performances | Concerts and tours |
| Acting | Films, TV shows, voice acting |
| Business Ventures | Fashion, cannabis (That Badu), incense (Badu World Market) |
| Endorsements | Fashion brands like Givenchy, Tom Ford |
| Streaming Royalties | Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal |
Lesser-Known Facts About Erykah Badu
- She helped popularize the term “Stay Woke” with her song Master Teacher.
- She is a certified doula and has delivered several babies.
- She refuses to use email and communicates mostly through voice messages.
- Badu is known for her vegan lifestyle and refers to herself as a “Holistic Healer.”
- She has performed at over 10 Tiny Desk Concerts and remains one of NPR’s most-requested artists.
- Badu played Turquoise in the 2016 movie The Land.
- Her song “Window Seat” (2010) caused controversy because of her nude music video shot guerrilla-style in Dallas.
- She is obsessed with vintage technology, especially rotary phones.
- Badu once said she could smell people’s auras.
- She launched a fragrance based on her vagina’s scent, called “Badu Pussy.”
FAQs About Erykah Badu
Q: What is Erykah Badu’s real name?
A: Erica Abi Wright
Q: How many Grammy Awards has Erykah Badu won?
A: 5 Grammy Awards
Q: What is Erykah Badu’s latest album?
A: New Amerykah Part Two (2010), with new projects teased for release.
Q: Who is Erykah Badu’s most famous ex-boyfriend?
A: André 3000 from OutKast.
Q: Is Erykah Badu vegan?
A: Yes, she has been a vegan since 2006.
Conclusion
Erykah Badu is a pioneering artist, activist, and businesswoman who continues to shape music, fashion, and culture. With a net worth of $15 million and over 25 years of influence, she remains a powerhouse in the industry.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
