February 11, 1997.

Before she told ya to call “Tyrone,” before she was the “Bag Lady,” before she got up from her “Window Seat” and showed her whole ass, Erykah Badu introduced herself to the world with Baduizm 20 years ago today. For that, the world should be forever grateful.

Baduizm in Context

Let’s put this iconic moment into context, shall we? It was the mid-90s and R&B was flourishing as a genre, surpassing the typical sounds of Pop radio to become the most prominent and successful genre on the airwaves. With that said, it naturally became more radio-friendly and commercial viable (read: white-people-friendly) and, as Hip-Hop rose to new commercial heights, cross-pollination began between the two  genres to birth what we know today as contemporary R&B.

Baduizm Birthed a New Genre

In the midst of this genre evolution, three young, new artists emerged from the quiet storm to engineer a new sound. These pioneers were D’Angelo, with his Brown Sugar (1995), Maxwell, with his Urban Hang Suite (1996), and Erykah Badu, with her Baduizm. Over the course of three years, this trio helped found a new genre: Neo-Soul.

Rightfully so, Ms. Badu became, essentially, the First Lady of Neo-Soul. Her melding of R&B, Soul, Jazz and Hip-Hop inspirations with her raw, honest lyricism and uniquely emotive vocals indeed defined the new genre. Not only that, but Badu did something her male counterparts did not: she did not make an album about love. Yes, there are a few love songs, but the lyrical content of Baduizm goes beyond; it goes deeper. Erykah Badu made a name for herself by being unabashedly honest and thought-provoking. Prior to Baduizm, this was not necessarily a defining quality of the genre… but Erykah made it so. And, she made a classic album in the process.

Baduizm has Classic Feels

Have you ever listened to a new album and it automatically clicks something inside of you, and it just feels right? It sounds warm and familiar, like it’s an old favorite? Similar to meeting a person for the first time but feeling like you’ve known them all your life, a good album can have that very same effect. Often, it’s because said album does a great job of reviving old sounds. (Most recently, I experienced this with Bruno Mars’ 24k Magic, because he ingeniously mixed various R&B trends into one album.)

If you’ve never listened to Baduizm, you might have that feeling when you turn it on for the first time. I did. A few years ago, I had that very experience with the album. I bought the album on vinyl, set the needle, hit play, and felt right at home with this phenomenal album. Granted, I already knew songs like “On & On” and “Next Lifetime,” but something about the album felt fresh, yet familiar. The reason for that is simple. Nearly every Neo-Soul album to follow Baduizm has likely been inspired by it.

Baduizm is Inspiring

I love Badu, but my favorite Neo-Soul artist, and one of my favorite singers in general, is Jill Scott. Aside from the common connection in that they both worked with The Roots in the beginning of their careers, Scott’s early work was clearly inspired, heavily, by Baduizm. The spoken word, the conversational vocal delivery, deep lyrical content, the organic, warm, soulful, jazzy inspirations and the swag of a Hip-Hop artist that is present in both of their work are clearly from the church of Baduizm. So, let’s talk about some of the church’s most revered hymns, shall we?

“On & On”

The first single off the album, and Ms. Badu’s breakout song, was “On & On,” a puzzling, spiritual track. I’m still not quite sure I fully understand what the song is about, and I spent a considerable amount of time pouring over its Genius annotations. Likely, though, most listeners didn’t get it either… yet we still jammed to it. The melody is irresistible, and Badu flows effortlessly over the organic, sparsely produced beat. Even if you don’t understand she’s actually talking about, it’s almost impossible not to bop and sing along. Former beau André 3000 of Outkast affectionally called her “Erykah ‘On & On’ Badu,”

“Appletree”

My personal favorite off the album is the next song in the tracklisting: “Appletree.” Coincidentally enough, the message of the song carries an extended metaphor that alludes to infamous tree of knowledge from the Bible story of Adam and Eve, informing us that she is, in fact, full of a vast amount of complex knowledge. “Appletree” finds Badu showcasing her innate ability to flawlessly bounce her melodic voice atop a beat, more than earning the Billie Holliday comparisons she has received throughout her career. You could strip “Appletree” of it’s instrumental, and it would STILL bop. Erykah has an uncanny ability to seemingly scat the rhythm of a drum with her words, melodies and voice. “Appletree” is the perfect example of her skill.

“Next Lifetime”

“Next Lifetime” is one of those unabashedly honest and subsequently uber-relatable tracks on Baduizm. Here, Badu laments about meeting a man she could fall for… except for one pesky problem, she’s “already someone’s girl.” It’s that classic tale of the one that got away, but with a unique, Neo-Soul twist. “Next Lifetime” is a classic that helped introduce us to an Erykah Badu who was not afraid to keep it real. The song has a slinky bedroom knocking beat that recalls the Isley Brothers, as she croons with a sensual pain she feels as a result of her dilemma. It’s introspection at its finest.

“4 Leaf Clover”

Perhaps the catchiest track on the album is “4 Leaf Clover,” a dramatic sounding mid-tempo that begins with a beautifully arranged introduction before the beat drops and the groove kicks in. Its a feel good track where Erykah takes a more traditional approach to create a quintessential R&B track that fit right in with the times. It’s a bit reminiscent of Amel Larrieux and her work with Groove Theory on their 1995 album that spawned the hit “Tell Me.” Badu differentiates herself, of course, throwing in some scats and sass.

Baduizm as a “Rim Shot”

The album starts and ends with “Rim Shot,” on which Badu makes innuendos about a drummer hitting his stick against her drum, right in the center, that puts her on the cloud. An interesting choice of topic to start and close the album with, yet a fitting one for Badu, who we would come to find out simply doesn’t give a fuck about what anyone thinks. Regardless, the song is a bop and creates an instant sing-a-long moment.

Perhaps, though, Badu’s “Rim Shot” metaphor is a fitting one for speaking of her iconic Baduizm album in retrospect. Upon its introduction in 1997, the album was a “rim shot;” she struck R&B at its core and affected a release of warmth and all the best feels.

Twenty years later, we look back at Baduizm and can definitively say that it was a rim shot with lasting effects. We continue to feel its vibrations as its influence pulsates throughout today’s Neo-Soul landscape. Erykah Badu made a rim shot twenty years ago, and she called it Baduizm. It is now looked on fondly as the Bible of Neo-Soul. As always, you should spin the scripture at your leisure throughout the year, but today, on the Festival of Baduizm, it’s well deserving of a celebratory listen.

On & on, her cypher keeps moving like a rolling stone…

The post The Bible of Neo-Soul: Erykah Badu’s ‘Baduizm’ appeared first on THE 97.

Last week’s word in Michelle Williams’ Journey to Freedom journal contest was “happiness.”  For our playlist, I’ve selected five songs that always put me in a good mood as soon as I turn them on.  They are among my go-to “get happy” songs.  Unlike previous weeks, I won’t analyze each song individually because in the case of these songs, it’s really not necessary.  All the songs are pretty similar.  On all five tracks, the artists are praising the good things in their lives and showing their gratitude while singing, rapping (or, in J.Lo’s case, talking) over a feel-good beat.  The selections cover the genres of pop, R&B, neosoul, gospel, and hip-hop.  Hopefully, this playlist puts you in a good mood and fills you with happiness!

Also, don’t forget to enter our Michelle Williams Time Capsule Contest for a chance to win two of the albums featured on this playlist!

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 4: Happiness appeared first on THE 97.

In preparation of the release of her fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom, Michelle Williams is hosting a contest via her official website in which fans must write journal entries about their own personal journey to freedom.  The prize is an all expense paid trip to spend the day with Michelle, discussing each other’s journey to freedom.  Over the next six weeks, Michelle will be posting the “word of the week” that should be the theme of each of the six different journal entries.  The contest ends on September 9th with the release of the album.

This week, the word is freedom and I wrote my own personal entry detailing how the theme has been present in my own life experiences.  However, for the purposes of EST. 1997, I will highlight and discuss some songs that I feel best represent the theme of freedom.  This is a common theme throughout music, and there are many songs and even albums that are centered around it.

Freedom is a heavy word.  It can have so many meanings; it is connected and intertwined with so many parts of life.  It is something we all strive for – personal freedom, professional freedom, civil freedom, sexual freedom – there are many incarnations of the word.  It is ancient, historic, current and intrinsic.  It has shaped the world; created and resolved conflicts in history.  World wars occurred as a direct result of humanity’s desire to protect, or limit, the freedom of others.  However, it also can be very personal.  Specifically, musicians tend to delve into the theme through a very personal lens.  These next six songs do an excellent job of embodying the word “freedom.”

1.  “Free” by P!nk was a b-side to the “Trouble” single, and didn’t make the final cut for the Try This album.  However, in my opinion, it most definitely should have.  The song is a raw, honest rock ballad that soars through emotions with powerful and emotive vocals dripping with soul and a yearning for freedom.  The song is unorthodox in structure, with the only “hook” to be found being the line, “why’s it so hard to be free?”  The introspective nature of this song’s lyrics, combined with P!nk’s impassioned vocals make for a truly emotional experience.  It is close to 7 minutes long, but never feels drawn out.  She leaves vocal imperfections as they are, adding a genuine character to the song.  It is a highlight in P!nk’s catalogue, with some of her best vocals and lyrics.

“I’ve gotta get away, oh

From these conditions

Why can’t I just love myself enough?

Instead of looking outside

For what I should have inside…

…All these shackles that I’ve tied myself down with

They’re weighing me down

I wanna fly away, fly away from here, so far

Just give me wings

Oh, God, why’s it so hard, to be free?”

 

2.  “Free Xone” by Janet Jackson appears on her 1997 opus, The Velvet Rope, which will be discussed in greater detail come its anniversary in October.  On this particular song, Janet asserts that there is “one rule: no rules; one love, free zone,” essentially stating that all love is equal, and people should be free to love no matter what their sexual orientation is.  The song denounces homophobia, while celebrating the freedom to love.  Its lyrics are simple, but poignant, and it’s the overall vibe of the song lends itself to creating this sense of celebration and cathartic embodiment of freedom.

“He was on a airplane

Sittin’ next to this guy

Said he wasn’t too shy

And he seemed real nice

Until he found out he was gay

That’s so not mellow

Let’s get free…”

 

3.  “Free” by Jill Scott is yet another song titled “Free,” and it is more like a poem than a song.  Constructed of a series of similes that Jill utilizes to symbolize the feeling of free, the song is effective in creating imagery to evoke its theme.  Jill compares freedom to a host of different things, mostly related to nature, in this short but concisely crafty and insightful song.  It’s best if you just listen to it for yourself.

“Free like a willow tree

Free like a summer’s eve

Free like the waves are crashing

On the side on a solitary beach”

4.  “Freedom” by Brandy is also a song that, like P!nk’s “Free,” was left off an album.  It was recorded for her 2008 album, Human, but didn’t make the cut.  However, it is a great track that tackles this theme of freedom quite well.  While its lyrics are a bit vague and open to interpretation, it is a moving, full song with an epic sound.  There’s many possibilities as to what Brandy might be talking about.  It could be a personal, political or even love-related statement.  She refers to an “us” that doesn’t seem like simply a “me and you” kind of thing.  It almost feels like the song could be referencing civil rights and possibly even racism, at some points. Take a listen and decide for yourself.

“I see the cloaks on the judges

Flaws in the judgements

Beasts in the dungeon

That don’t scare me

And I’ll say it on a mountain

Say it all in public

Hold a press conference

To speak about my freedom, my freedom”

5.  “I Am Free” by Mariah Carey is a gospel-tinged song from one of her defining albums, 1995’s Daydream.  The song talks about how Mariah had once felt trapped, but it seems she is thanking God for helping to find a certain sense of freedom.  On this same album lies the song “Looking In,” in which she more vulnerably discusses how she felt trapped, as well.  Interestingly enough, the album to follow, 1997’s Butterfly (which, like The Velvet Rope, will be discussed on its anniversary in September) is considered to be Mariah’s first emancipation.  “I Am Free” is kind of a statement of her intentions before actually going for it with Butterfly in 1997.  She even references flight, a metaphor later continued on the song “Butterfly.”   See and hear the breakthrough below:

“Free to live

Free to laugh

Free to soar

Free to shine

Free to give

Free to love

Free enough to fly”

6.  “Free” by Destiny’s Child completes the list, of course… Michelle can’t be left out of an article she inspired!  “Free” is a song that Michelle always referenced as being her favorite song from Destiny’s Child’s final release, 2004’s Destiny Fulfilled.  On this track, the ladies revel in their freedom from a no good man.  It is a therapeutic song, that soulfully celebrates a newfound freedom after dealing with an oppressive relationship.  During the live performance, Beyoncé goes into a tangent, preaching “Ladies! Do you know what this song is about? This song is about truly feeling free.  You know you’re free when you finally find enough strength to tell that trifling, good for nothing man, you don’t want him, you don’t want him no more!”  It’s quite the hilarious little monologue, but it’s oh so empowering.  In July, Michelle performed the song during her set at the Essence Music Festival.  Check out both performances referenced below, as well as the lyrics to Michelle’s verse on the track.

“I gave you everything you wanted 

I gave you everything you needed

But you just didn’t do right

So baby I’m leaving

It feels good to be free”

Bonus:

Check out a clip of “Free,” from Michelle’s Journey to Freedom album in stores September 9th.

Other notable mentions:

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 1: Freedom appeared first on THE 97.