Popcast Erykah Badu Interview! On D’Angelo, Radical Empathy, Love & Hip-Hop
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Oct 23, 2025 
Erykah Badu, the iconic singer and songwriter known for her neo-soul sound, shares her unique journey in music. She reflects on her early studio days and her kinship with D'Angelo and Questlove. Badu discusses the importance of creative control and her philosophy behind making music on her terms. She also touches on her role as a muse, radical empathy in today's society, and how social media has affected her self-perception. Badu even leads a breathing exercise, emphasizing its power before her captivating live performance.
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From Cassettes To A Record Deal
- Erykah Badu describes forming her early music with cousin Free in her grandmother's spare bedroom and sending cassette tapes between college campuses.
- She signed to Kedar after SXSW and met D'Angelo through that connection, which set the foundation for their long friendship and collaborations.
Sympathetic Vibration Connects Artists
- Badu says cross-generational collaboration feels like peer work when artists share a musical resonance or "that thing."
- She compares it to sympathetic vibration: like tuning forks, artists who resonate find their tribe across ages.
Arrive With Your Project And Terms
- Badu emphasizes she entered the industry with a finished project and clear terms, prioritizing musical integrity over money or fame.
- That trust with Kedar Massenberg let her maintain creative control and a long-lasting stance.
