New Amerykah : Erykah Badu : Review : Rolling Stone

Erykah Badu has embarked on one of the more ambitious projects in recent R&B history: This year, she'll release New AmErykah, a series of at least two, possibly three, albums tackling sociopolitical issues like poverty and 9/11, drawing on musical styles from the Forties through the Sixties, and promising, she says, to "talk for my race and my planet." Badu kicks off the first disc by indulging her arty side: 4th World War is mostly dark, minor-key melodies, eerie chants and atmospheric electro beats courtesy of underground producers like Madlib and Shafeeq Husain. Some of the music is gripping — the modal-sounding chorus and blippy groove of "My People" suggests an R&B version of Radiohead — but other tunes feel like absent-minded doodles, and Badu's social consciousness nets middling returns. There are passing references to falling buildings and young men ending up in prison, plus praise for Louis Farrakhan, but there's nothing specific enough to qualify as actual commentary. Still, it's good to have Badu back trying new things. She'll have another shot this year to get back to greatness. christian hoard

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Mar 6, 2008)

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Track List

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Amerykahn Promise
The Healer / Hip Hop (track not available in Rhapsody)
Me
My People
Soldier
The Cell
Twinkle
Master Teacher
That Hump
Telephone
(Bonus) HONEY

Your Turn

Give us your review of New Amerykah

Review 1 of 3

4of 5 Stars

Soulfully serene. It is now one of my favorite projects by any artist. "the healer" just speaks the truth and nothing but the truth. I can't wait other recordings connected to this new Badu project.

Apr 13, 2008 21:34:36

Review 2 of 3

5of 5 Stars

This is a beautiful, soulfully captivating album. relevant
to todays life expierience. but timeless. very classic
material. her growth from mama's gun (skipping over
worldwide underground) is evident spiritually and
musically (same thing?). "the healer" is now one of my
all time favorite tracks (true story) it's intoxicating (gave
me chills for 3 minutes and 59 seconds=) with its
melodic, magical, metaphys-mystical sound which is
badu's artistry. her honesty "me" is dope and
courageous. Telephone is deep, amazing story. whole
album bangs, no fast fwds at all. sooo hip hop. give
thanks erykah. one.

Mar 15, 2008 10:12:05

Review 3 of 3

5of 5 Stars

Brilliant. Brash. Bold. I love this chick and I LOVE this album. For too long, so called artists have spewed out mediocrity. And we, the hopeful music lovers have held on. It has been worth the wait.

John Coltrane. Bjork. Jimi Hendrix. Prince. Nina Simone. Frank Zappa. Sun Ra. I think of them as I listen. This is the sound of an artist who would rather create than pacify.
Erykah lets her balls hang out.

Listen to "The Healer", Ms. Badu's response to Nas' "Hip Hop is Dead" or the simple message of self love in "Me". Believe what she says in "Amerykahn Promise", she is giving herself to us and I for one am thankful.

Mar 4, 2008 07:58:26

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