It goes to where the people go, and part of what moves people is vibration. You named a hip-hop artist and hip-hop is the people. So what accounts for the success of someone like Kendrick Lamar? The kids need vibrations, because their attention span is about three seconds.ĭoes that mean lyrics are less important than they used to be? People talk about “ mumble rap,” but that’s because they don’t understand that the important thing is the vibration, not the words. What’s interesting to me about music and the younger generation is that what we hear on the radio is more about frequency and sound than words. If it’s anything, it’s that I understand where young people are coming from. How much of that that is because you’re good on social media? You’re one of the rare musicians who manages to stay relevant with listeners younger than themselves. I want to help my children with their dreams.” But for now, she’s “happy to be here talking with you in the present.” She gives a knowing smile. “I want to get my midwifery certification in direct-entry midwifery. “I want to have a variety show,” she muses.
And anyway, it’s what she might do with the other four months that’s most interesting to her lately. Her old ones are still making the rounds: The R&B singer’s debut album, 1997’s Baduizm, is tentatively slated for reissue as a set of vinyl 45s in February, and she performs live around the world eight months out of every year. “I’m uploading.” Badu, in a baggy sweater, oversized eyeglasses, and giant fedora, is talking about why she hasn’t released an album of new material since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two - and why she isn’t particularly concerned about it. “I’m gathering ideas,” says Erykah Badu, talking over dinner at a vegan restaurant in midtown Manhattan.