Erykah Badu
USA, 1994–now
American singer (b. 1971). Baduizm (1997) set a jazz singer's phrasing against hip-hop drums and largely defined neo-soul; she was central to the Soulquarians circle around D'Angelo, Questlove and J Dilla.
MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Erykah Badu and 0 artists Erykah Badu influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Erykah Badu?
- Billie Holiday — Badu's phrasing - the way she sits late on a line and bends it - is Billie Holiday's, moved onto hip-hop drums.
- Chaka Khan — The force Badu can put behind that phrasing is Chaka Khan's.