A new door into jazz and R&B music has been opened and created by Erykah Badu and is displayed on her premier album, "Baduizm" (Kedar).
Badu, the 25-year-old up-and-coming jazz vocalist, has been called the Billy Holliday of the 1990s because of her strikingly similar vocal styles. Her vibrato jazz and blues sound is hauntingly like the beloved Lady Day, but her use of contemporary lyrics adds a totally unique appeal.
Badu was first discovered by Kedar Massenburg, president of Kedar Entertainment and the former manager of singer D'Angelo. Massenburg discoverd Badu when she opened for the singer in her hometown of South Dallas. He was very impressed with her lyrics and the "lithe movements" she displayed while on stage.
"Baduizm," after only its first week on the charts, has received many positive reviews. It is definitely not an album that can be listened to half-heartedly.
"Baduizm" is actually the name of the philosophy that Badu practices in her daily life and shares with her listeners. One of her rules for life include the ability to "know your Creator, know yourself and love them both." Badu certainly has a firm spiritual foundation that is fully expressed in all of her songs.
"Baduizm" is also a spirtual journey that encompasses the music and history of African-American ancestors. It is an experience that is felt immediately when the album begins with brief, low bass solo, accompanied by the drumming and scatting refrain of "Rim Shot." This song serves to create the circularity of the album by being the tune for both the introduction and the "outro."
The first single release and second track on the album, "On and On," aids the journey into the discovery of the album. The humorous lyrics work simultaneously with the passionate ones promoting Badu's advice for maintaining a happy and healthy mind and soul throughout the "on and ons" of each day of life.
Another song, "Otherside of the Game," deals with a young woman struggling with loving a man and the moral dilemmas of conducting work when "it ain't honest, but it pays the bills."
"Drama" is a tune which echoes some of the sounds and messages of well-known folk artist, Tracy Chapman, in regards to describing the problems of the day.
Badu questions our ability to "go on" and still live "in this crazy, crazy world."
Hip-hop artists the Roots appear on the album and co-produce "Sometimes" and are the inspiration for a freestyle blues skit, "Afro."
This tune uses the standard five-chord blues musical undertones, but the modern lyrics transcend the traditions of the blues from the past to the present.
As Badu's single release "On and On" continues its climb to the top of the musical charts, the singer readies herself for success.
