The March issue of Vogue has dropped, and our favorite neo-soul-singing-mother-goddess-online-retailer graces the cover. The story, written by Chioma Nnadi, is a long one titled “The Second Coming of Erykah Badu.” “Badu herself is in the midst of a renaissance,” Nnadi writes. “Like David Bowie and Grace Jones before her, the four-time Grammy-winning singer is one of those rare, rabble-rousing creatures who orbits the pop-cultural universe and meets the moment entirely on her own terms.”
Nnadi talks about Badu World Market and how Erykah is a self-described “UNICORN Mutant Cobra” and that this month she is releasing a collection of smoking accessories and her own blend of weed. And I got a chuckle out of a passage about Erykah being a doula, now assisted by her daughter Puma. Nnadi writes: “When I ask how many babies Badu has helped bring into the world, she shrugs: At this point, she’s lost count. It’s been over 20 years since the singer, who is also a certified Reiki master, was first inspired to become a doula after assisting on the labor of a close friend. Now each year she makes time for at least one or two expectant moms, some of whom are friends, others women she meets in passing.”
I picture Erykah in line at the Lakewood Whole Foods. A visibly pregnant woman stands in front of her. Erykah notices the brand of lentils the woman is buying, and the two strike up a conversation, at the conclusion of which Erykah says, “Hey, if you’re looking for a doula, I’d love to help.”
One other note on the story: a scene takes place in Erykah’s home studio, her “Badudio,” and there’s short video at the end of the story that takes you inside the joint. That studio is a house in my neighborhood. It was pretty easy to spot. Oftentimes enormous tour buses sat parked alongside it, and the driveway was littered with G Wagons. It was fun on a weekend trip to Home Depot to spot Erykah’s car in the driveway and know she was in there doing something funky and cool. But she recently sold the place, which Vogue doesn’t mention. No more tour buses and fancy cars.
When you’re finished with the Vogue story, maybe go back and read Zac’s profile of Erykah from 2017, on the 20th anniversary of her album Baduizm. That, too, is some good stuff.
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