Timeless legend Erykah Badu has just added another feat to her stunning career: she’s been honored with the Icon Award at 2025 Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony held at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. This accolade recognizes her genre-defying career and profound cultural impact.
Born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, Badu emerged as a pivotal figure in the neo-soul movement with her 1997 debut album, Baduizm. Her unique fusion of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and R&B, coupled with her distinctive style, has solidified her status as a cultural icon over the past two decades.
Singer Erykah Badu (Erica Abi Wright) performs at the Excalibur Nightclub in Chicago, Illinois in January 1997. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
In addition to her recent honor, Badu is collaborating with renowned hip-hop producer The Alchemist on her first studio album in 15 years. This project marks her return to recording since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). Badu has expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the album has been occupying much of her time, and she eagerly anticipates its completion.
«I’ve put out other music, but this feels good. It feels natural to me. I tour for a living, so I’m a touring artist. As touring artists, we create moments. As a recording artist, I create memories,» she reflected on her upcoming studio work in an interview with Billboard. Regarding her new artistic era and what it will be about, she declared, «We’ve got to go way further than space in Africa to find out.»
Music, Fashion, and Culture Icon
Beyond her musical endeavors, Badu continues to influence the fashion world. In October 2024, she was honored with the Fashion Icon award at the CFDA Fashion Awards, where she showcased her distinctive style in a striking ensemble by Thom Browne, complemented by her signature beaded headpiece and statement face jewelry. She expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her love for creativity and self-expression through fashion.
Erykah Badu (center) and guests during The 44th Annual Grammy Awards (2002) at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
Erykah Badu’s recent accolades and ongoing projects underscore her enduring influence and relevance in the cultural landscape, as she continues to inspire and innovate across various artistic domains.
Why Erykah Badu Wore a BBL Look to the Billboard Women in Music Ceremony
At the Billboard Women in Music event on March 29, 2025, Erykah Badu donned a distinctive tan suit that accentuated her posterior, sparking discussions about her intent. Many interpreted her outfit as a satirical commentary on the «Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) trend», suggesting she aimed to critique societal beauty standardsand the normalization of cosmetic enhancements. This interpretation aligns with Badu’s history of challenging norms and promoting self-expression through her art and fashion choices.
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