Erykah Badu

Born Erica Wright and raised in Dallas, Texas, Erykah Badu studied theater at Grambling State University and performed in dance and spoken-word circles before being discovered, developing the mystical, jazz-steeped persona that would help launch an entire genre.

Her 1997 debut "Baduizm" introduced the neo-soul movement to the mainstream, and follow-ups "Mama's Gun," "Worldwide Underground," and "New Amerykah" fused soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop with poetic, socially aware songwriting. She has also acted, DJ'd, and served as an unofficial doula and cultural figure.

She has won multiple Grammy Awards, earned the enduring title "Queen of Neo Soul," and influenced a wide swath of contemporary R&B and hip-hop artists who cite her as a touchstone.

Erykah Badu shaped the sound, fashion, and spirit of neo-soul, and her free-spirited artistry continues to inspire decades of musicians across genres.