Erykah Badu's Net Worth
Erykah Badu, an American singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, and actress, boasts a net worth of $10 million. Her wealth stems from her successful music career, acting roles, and television appearances, maintaining relevance as an R&B and modern soul music icon.
Early Life
Born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, Erykah Badu's passion for music began at age four, performing at the Dallas Theater Center and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Her early exposure to music escalated when she started freestyling at a local Dallas radio station alongside jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. Adopting the name 'Erykah Badu,' she graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and briefly attended Grambling State University before focusing on music. Partnering with her cousin Robert "Free" Bradford, they produced a demo tape that caught the attention of music executive Kedar Massenburg, leading to a duet with D'Angelo and launching her music career.
Music Career
Erykah Badu is a pivotal figure in the neo-soul sub-genre, releasing five studio albums between 1997 and 2010. Her debut album "Baduizm" achieved platinum status, earning her international fame and critical acclaim, alongside awards from American Music, BET, and Grammy. Known for her distinctive blend of R&B, hip hop, and jazz, and her signature colorful headwraps, Badu was dubbed the "First Lady of Neo-Soul" and often compared to jazz legend Billie Holiday. A core member of the Soulquarians, her music reflects themes from her Nation of Gods and Earths beliefs. Her influence in hip-hop is significant, drawing inspiration from artists like Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinderella, and Salt 'n' Pepa. From 1997 to 2010, she was an avid performer, including a notable tour with comedian Dave Chappelle in 2007.
(Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)
Movie and Television Career
In addition to her music, Badu has had a successful acting career, with roles in films like "Blues Brothers 2000" (1998), "The Cider House Rules" (1999), and "House of D" (2004). She also starred in the comedy remake "What Men Want" (2019) and contributed her expertise to documentaries such as "Before the Music Dies" (2006) and "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" (2011). Her TV appearances include "All That" (1997), "Sesame Street," "One Life to Live," "The Chris Rock Show," and an "MTV Unplugged" special, making numerous guest appearances on shows like "Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show," and "Desus & Mero." She also acted in TV series like "Black Dynamite," "Hand of God," and "Legends of Chamberlain Heights."
Personal Life
An unwavering vegan since 2006, Badu describes vegan food as the purest form of soul food. She has three children: Seven Sirius Benjamin with rapper Andre 3000, Puma Sabti Curry, and Mars Merkaba Thedford.
Real Estate
A resident of Dallas, Texas, Erykah Badu also owns a home in Fort Greene, New York. During the spring of 2020, she hosted live "home concerts" from her Dallas residence, giving fans an intimate glimpse into her home life.
