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Born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas on Feb. 26, 1971, Erykah Badu is the Queen of Neo Soul.
At the age of 4, she got her first glimpse at stardom when she sang and danced at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). She changed the spelling of her name when she was 14 and adopted Badu as a surname. The term “kah” signifies the inner self, and Badu is her favorite jazz scat sound. Badu’s professional career took off when she opened for D’Angelo in 1994 in Fort Worth. Soon after, she signed to Kedar Entertainment and released her first album, Baduizm, in 1997. Often compared to Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu has busted her ass to earn the title of Queen of Neo Soul. She is a singer-songwriter, mother, record producer, disc jockey, activist, artist, actress, doula, holistic healer, and quite possibly one of the coolest people we have ever seen in real life. This week we pay tribute to this amazing talent with seven of our favorite Badu jams. 
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SONG OF THE monDAY
Erykah Badu’s Southern Girl features Rahzel, a former member of The Roots who also produced the song. It was released in 1999 and hit No. 24 on Billboard R&B Singles and No. 76 on Hot 100. It was also included on the soundtrack for the 2001 movie, Pootie Tang.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Appletree is the third and last single from Erykah Badu’s album, Baduizm (1997). In the US, it was released as a radio promo and hit No. 67 on Billboard Hot R&B. In the UK, it was released as a single and hit 47 on their charts. She included the song, as Apple Tree, on her 1997 Live album.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Honey is the lead single from Erykah Badu’s 2007 album, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). The song was produced by 9th Wonder and samples Nancy Wilson’s 1978 song, I’m In Love. Honey hit No. 22 on Billboard Hot R&B and No. 88 on Billboard Hot 100.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Back in the Day, sometimes referred to as "Puff,” is from Erykah Badu's 2003 album, Worldwide Underground. Badu has said that writing and recording for the album took place following a long bout of writer's block. Back in the Day peaked at No. 62 on Billboard Hot R&B.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Bag Lady is the first single released from Erykah Badu's 2000 album, Mama's Gun. The song hit No 1. on Billboard Hot R&B charts and No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100. It earned Badu two Grammy nominations and is Motown's last No. 1 hit on the R&B charts under the original record label name.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Written by Erykah Badu and James Poyser, Window Seat is the lead single from Badu's 2010 album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). The song hit No. 16 on Billboard Hot R&B, but it is more popular for its controversial video in which Badu appears naked on the streets of Dallas.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Contrary to popular belief, Tyrone was not included on Erykah Badu’s 1997 debut album, Baduizm. The song was originally released as the lead single from her 1997 Live album. It earned Badu a Grammy nomination and has been referenced in movies and other artists’ songs.
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