The Live Version of the Song is ALWAYS Superior to the Original (Pt. 1)

Tony Krash/Badu World

Can you believe this draft has been sitting since 2022?  I was vibing the other week and had a light bulb reminder.  I never published it!  What better time than now?  Half of the U.S. is snowed in today.   

Live versions are unique.  Typically filled with vivaciousness and exclusivity to that specific performance in all aspects.   It takes a special kind of everything to put a live song in the category of being considered better than the original/studio version.  That special thing where you prefer to hear the live version instead.  The common denominator is simply this.  It contains soul that the original just does not acquire.  

For instance... 

Marvin Gaye - Distant Lover

Could be the screams.. could be the horns... could be the yearning.  It's. just. there.

Time Warp... 1997: Appletree | Erykah Badu

Circa 1997.

Funny how the most random memories can carry with you for decades through song.  One of my countless times in Raleigh growing up.  Erykah was the new hot artist.  Unc had the Baduizm album blaring throughout; Appletree on at this point.  "I have a hoe... I take it everywhere I go".  Unc started laughing and said 'That girl wild" as he walked past to go light a cigarette.  I think of that every time i hear this song.  

Happy Birthday Unc.  I miss you.

Today... we jam.

 

Related Post:  Time Warp...1992 : Follow Me | Aly-Us #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  {Personal Post} PHOTOS: Water Lantern Festival 2023

Photos: Erykah Badu and Daughter Puma lead Marni Fall/Winter 2023 Capsule

Bag lady, in her case, is a double entendre for Ms. Badu.  The grammy award winning artist has collaborated with popular Italian fashion label, Marni, for their Fall/Winter 2023 collection.  Co-designed by Francesco Risso (Marni Creative Director) and Erykah herself, this collection is the first volume for upcoming seasons; entailing ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, and accessories.  The mashup stays true to both entities, reflecting her bold and unique style and Marni's established design. 

 

Marni x Erykah Badu will be a limited collection in select U.S. Marni boutiques, with a European launch also planned.  Her daughter Puma was snagged for modeling the eclectic threads and well you see it in their photos together... copy + paste.  

{Watch} :: The trailer for the Nas’ executive produced Sundance Film, "The Land"

Opening in theaters and VOD July 29, 2016!  Read the synopsis via IFC YouTube and watch the trailer below.  Sidebar- check out the soundtrack listing at the end.  Fiyahh:: 

Starring: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Moises Arias, Rafi Gavron, Ezri Walker, Machine Gun Kelly, & Robert Hunter.

Teenage buddies Cisco, Boobie, Junior, and Patty Cake skateboard the streets of Cleveland, Ohio, dreaming of getting discovered by a sponsor and skating their way out of poverty. That is until the boys discover a bag full of pills in the back of a stolen car. Cisco’s entrepreneurial instincts take over, and in a flash their lives get better. But no one counted on having to come face to face with the cold, calculating, and notorious drug queenpin, “Momma,” who runs the toughest gang in town.

Director Steven Caple Jr. makes an auspicious debut with this atmospheric film filled with pitch-perfect performances by an ensemble cast, including newcomer Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Erykah Badu, Machine Gun Kelly, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Linda Emond, who is bone chilling as Momma. More than a crime drama, THE LAND is a beautifully rendered story about friendship, values, and what it means for disaffected youth to come of age on the streets of Cleveland.

Related Post ::  (Trailer) :: Nas co-produced Hip- Hop fashion film "Fresh Dressed", featuring Kanye West, Kid n Play, Diddy and more...

I Been Goin Thru It All | Erykah Badu

All of this could’ve been avoided
But a nxgga really had to snap
Cause I been going through it all
and aint’ nobody had my back
Where tf was ya’ll at?

Thank you Erykah.  Please say that one more time for the folk in the back.

Recently, Badu has been in hot water via social media for her comments on school girls' dress codes. Many were not feeling her personal opinion and backlash came her way from all angles. As a true artist, she channeled her ‘clap back’ through music to those and just in general with her new loosie “I BEEN GOIN THRU IT ALL”. Listen below::

Related Post ::  Phone Down | Erykah Badu

Phone Down | Erykah Badu

I can make you put your phone down...
...show me attention.

Talk shit if you can back it up.  Concurs with Ms. Badu.  "But U Caint Use My Phone" mixtape dropping Thanksgiving weekend.  Press play::   

Related Post :: Hotline Bling (but U caint use my phone) | Erykah Badu

Hotline Bling (but U caint use my phone) | Erykah Badu

Late night when you.
need. my. love.
you used to call me...

She may get you in your feelings for a second, but that's because it's real.  Erykah revamps Drake's radio/club hit 'Hotline Bling' with a special twist of her own.  Kills it.  Keep a look out for her forthcoming mixtape "But U Caint Use My Phone".  Press play:: 

Previous Post :: Erykah 'DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown' Badu releases a new mix... "Feel Better, World!"

Erykah 'DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown' Badu releases a new mix... "Feel Better, World!"

ALL OVER THE GLOBE…KEEP WALKING TALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS. SOMEDAY WE WILL ALL BE FREE. THE WORLD IS IN NEED OF HEALING…. I CAREFULLY AND LOVINGLY SELECTED HIGH FREQUENCY TONES FOR THE SOUL…. PLEASE LISTEN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
LOVE, ms. badu

Well said, Ms. Badu... well said.
With blatant discrimination and racial bloodshed (internal and external) spreading across the nation, Erykah Badu aka DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown has shared a mix for our comfort during these trying times. It's amazing the power music has. Listen below to the SOULful mix featuring Donny Hathaway, James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, The Emotions, Stevie Wonder and many more...

FEEL BETTER, WORLD! ... LOVE, MS.BADU by Erykah She Ill Badu on Mixcloud

Erykah Badu as the new face of Givenchy ...

***UPDATE- More Ad Photos released.

(for more photos, visit theLIFEfiles)

***Original Post: 12/11/13.

”It's 2013. ...At the end of the day, why are not so many black girls or Latin girls in shows? When you have an American president who is black! When I see this happening, it’s quite sad, I think...” – Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy Creative Director

The beautiful neo-soul singer, Erykah Badu, was casted as the new star of Givenchy's 'Mert & Marcus' shot campaigns. Even though Tisci was somewhat acquainted with Badu, but never worked with her, he had her image in mind when designing the Spring 2014 collection- described as a mash-up of African and Japanese influences.
In a recent convo, Tisci told Matthew Schneier of STYLE ..

Erykah, she’s an icon—come on!. What I want to do with my advertising campaign is spread the love. Already now it’s been three seasons that I’ve been using people that express something—they are great artists, or beautiful women, or stylish women, or models that I really believe in. It’s kind of a family portfolio. ...She’s one of the most stylish women I’ve met in my life. She’s got such a good sense of proportion, of colors...

Video: Q.U.E.E.N.| Janelle Monae x Erykah Badu

i  will love who I am.

After just releasing the song two weeks ago,  Ms. Monae serves up a creative visual for her “Queen” track.  Btw..I am loving the blonde on Ms. Badu. 

 Check it Out:

Q.U.E.E.N.| Janelle Monae x Erykah Badu

I will love who I am.

This can very well be ‘Womens Empowerment Wednesdays’ on a Tuesday.  The underlying girl power behind this is incredible.  Take a listen: