Erykah Badu Explains Why She Decided to Release a New Album After 15 Years (Exclusive)

Erykah Badu is ready to return to music. 

The “Window Seat” singer, 54, opened up to Us Weekly exclusively about her decision to record a new album after a 15-year hiatus. Badu last released an album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), in 2010. 

“I just follow my heart,” Badu explained to Us about her choice to release new music while attending Billboard’s Women in Music event on Saturday, March 29. 

The singer confirmed in an interview with Billboard just a few weeks prior that she is collaborating with hip-hop producer The Alchemist on the project. When asked to share details about the upcoming album, Badu told Us that she is “not telling you nothing,” but fans can expect “whatever you like.” 

The “Next Lifetime” singer received the Icon award at the Billboard ceremony for her decades-long career in the music industry. Badu elaborated on her iconic status, explaining to Us that being an icon “means exceeding your own expectations.” 

“Things like that happen so fast, because time happens so quickly, that it is one of the markers that tethers you to your hard work,” Badu shared. “It’s one of those things that make you say, ‘Oh, I did do something valuable or worth remembering.’ And that means a lot.”

A pioneer of the neo-soul genre, Badu has won five Grammys and released five chart-topping albums, including 1997’s triple-platinum record Baduizm. Badu reflected on her impact within the industry, telling Us that she hopes to leave a legacy of “pink glitter and gunpowder.” 

During Saturday’s ceremony, Badu shared a hug with Summer Walker, who presented the “Tyrone” singer with her award. Badu made sure to thank God, her mother Kolleen Wright and “all the mothers” while accepting her honor. 

“It’s night to celebrate the womb of the world. The womb of life,” Badu said. “The smartest creature on planet earth. The wisest, the most invincible, sexiest, purest, finest: the woman. Thank you so much. I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be born a woman. I want to thank my mother and all the mothers.”

Badu acknowledged Mother of the Year honoree Tina Knowles during her speech, explaining that the Knowles matriarch “said it well” when she spoke about the impact of motherhood.

“Mothers, thank you so much for giving so much inspiration and examples of what it means to be resilient,” Badu added. “What it means to take charge; what it means to be courageous; what it means to be authentically ourselves. That’s all we gon’ be. That’s all I’m gonna be.”