Erykah Badu has returned with her new song “Next to You.” The track serves as a teaser for her upcoming first studio album in 15 years, which is being produced solely by The Alchemist. Stream it below.
As described in a press release, the collaboration came out of ALC “providing the foundation” with his hazy instrumental and Badu then “putting her ‘izm’ on it” with her smooth vocals. “Follow me and we gon’ break the rules,” she sings. “I can’t even fly/ You’re the only one that gets me high.”
In March, Billboard reported that Badu’s currently untitled project was a primary focus in her life. “The album has been taking up most of her time; she says she can’t wait until she’s done,” journalist Damien Scott wrote.
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Later this month, Badu and The Alchemist will head out on the road for the first time together on their “The Abi & Alan Japan Tour,” featuring dates in Osaka, Tokyo, and Yokohama. Badu is also scheduled to play this year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans during July 4th weekend. Get tickets here.
Badu released her most recent studio album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), in 2010. Her latest project was the 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone. Since then, she has dropped 2019’s “Tempted” with James Poyser and guested on songs including Rapsody’s “3:AM” and Jamie xx’s “F.U.”
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