Erica Abi Wright, also known as Erikah Badu, was born in Dallas in February 1971. She’s an R&B and hip-hop singer and writer. She is often compared to Billie Holiday for her “musical sensibilities”, Wikipedia dixit.
I like her. I would normally think this is too commercial, but there is something in her neo soul stream, this so-called alternative or underground hip-hop, that resounds. Her father had left the home when she was growing up, but when she chose the artistic name Badu, he wrote her: “Badu in Arabic means truth and light, good choice kid”.
Not sure if this video reminds me of Carmen Miranda, Billie Holiday or Chaka Kahn meets Grace Jones. I like Erykah Badu anyway, I discovered it last week.
Images of the unforgettable Carmen Miranda; Grace Jones in the cover of Nighclubbing album courtesy of this Canadian site; Chaka Khan way back when. In the video the song Bag Lady. Cool colours and instrumentation.
Tags: alternative hip-hop, alternative soul, bag lady, billie holiday, carmen miranda, chaka khan, ekykah badu, grace jones, hip-hop, motown, neo soul
August 12, 2009 at 12:24 am
This great diva, Carmen Miranda, will always remain in our hearts; she’ll always be remembered as “a Pequena Notável” with her beautiful and lovely smile.
Here in Portugal we also have a Carmen Miranda Museum that is very worthwhile to visit: it has some interesting items!
As a Painter and Plastic Artist I could not standby upon her 100th birthday celebration, even more, because she was born in a town near mine. So I decided to pay her a tribute by doing an exhibition.
You can check my blog for more information regarding my tribute to Carmen Miranda. I hope you enjoy it!
http://gabrielamarquescosta.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/exhibition-carmen-miranda-os-100-anos/
Gabriela Marques da Costa
August 12, 2009 at 10:28 am
Thanks a lot Gabriela! What a wonderful link. Congratulations on this tribute and best of luck to you.