Behind the Scenes with Erykah Badu: Fashion Awards, New Music, and Artistic Integrity

In a recent interview with 'The Breakfast Club,' Erykah Badu spoke candidly about her journey as an artist, her latest projects, and her thoughts on fashion and creative freedom.

Fashion Icon and the CFDA Award

Badu recently received the CFDA Fashion Icon award, an honor often likened to the "Oscar of fashion." The award celebrated her unique sense of style and contribution to the industry, and Badu acknowledged its significance to her as an artist. Despite joking that she had no idea what it meant initially, she expressed how much it meant to be recognized for her "canvas"—the way she presents herself to the world. Badu shared that fashion has always been an extension of her creativity and therapy, a way for her to communicate her innermost thoughts without words.

"Sometimes I put a lot of thought into how I dress, and sometimes it's just grace," Badu remarked, emphasizing the natural and intuitive way her style has evolved over the years. She reminisced about her mother, who had always been an original in her own way, and how her upbringing had deeply influenced her sense of fashion. She also detailed the collaboration that brought her AI-inspired headpiece to life for the CFDA awards, blending ancient aesthetics with futuristic elements, thus encapsulating the essence of her artistic persona.

The Challenge of Creative Freedom in Fashion

The conversation also touched on the often difficult relationship between creative individuals and the fashion industry. Badu shared that getting support from major fashion houses had always been a journey, especially before social media connected artists directly with brands. She credited Tom Ford as the first designer to reach out to her back in 2002, for a campaign involving his White Patchouli perfume. From that point on, her influence in the fashion world grew, allowing her to work with other notable designers and participate in major campaigns.

Badu discussed her experience working alongside designers like Tom Brown and Roberto Cavalli, noting that being your own stylist requires a tremendous amount of hands-on effort. When she travels, she carries her own wardrobe for herself, her band, and even the stage setup, making her presence not just about the music but an entire artistic vision. "When you’re your own stylist, makeup artist, and carry everything from incense to your wardrobe, you bring an entire production," Badu said. The dedication to every detail—a concept she referred to as being an 'auteur'—is part of what makes her performances so compelling.

Navigating Social Media and Artistic Vulnerability

The topic of vulnerability, especially in the age of social media, was another major point of discussion. Badu admitted that being an artist today comes with unique challenges. The intense scrutiny artists face, amplified by social media, can discourage even the most passionate creators. She spoke candidly about her children’s hesitance to share their art, largely because of the fear of online criticism. "It’s a scary time for art," she said. "It feels like people are out for blood, ready to humble and punish those who dare to be successful." This perspective offered a sobering look at the pressure that many young artists experience in this digital era.

Despite the toxicity of social media, Badu herself has not been deterred. When asked about releasing new music, she hinted at a new album—her first in nearly a decade. Badu has often taken long breaks between albums, driven by a desire to only release music when she truly has something meaningful to share. The upcoming project, she revealed, is a collaboration with a male artist, though she declined to give more details, playfully teasing that people would find out soon.

Upcoming Projects and the Essence of Art

Badu’s dedication to her craft extends far beyond the studio. She spoke passionately about her work on an upcoming Netflix film, 'The Piano Lesson,' where she contributed original music set in the 1930s. She expressed her love for the immediacy and intimacy of theater over film acting, despite the fact that she has been involved in various on-screen projects. Theater, she shared, allows her to connect deeply with audiences, something that is irreplaceable for her as a live performer.

While acting has often felt like "work," performing live music has always been an authentic expression of her spirit. She explained that her connection to the audience during her performances is something that cannot be replicated—it’s where she feels "right," unencumbered by doubts or expectations. Touring remains her primary outlet, one she has maintained consistently for the past three decades, and it’s evident that Badu draws immense energy and fulfillment from being on stage.

Balancing Expectations and Personal Expression

Throughout the interview, Badu was reflective on the concept of self-expression versus meeting public expectations. She described how she views her career as a form of art, with every decision carefully crafted to surprise and engage her audience. "I like to give them what they didn’t know they wanted," she explained, touching on the fine balance between evolving as an artist and staying true to what her fans expect. For Badu, growth means embracing every phase of herself and allowing her art to reflect the complexity of those phases.

A particularly striking moment came when she addressed the idea of letting go—of ownership, of ego, and even of her art. "The more I let go of the need to own something, the more I am acknowledged," she said. This philosophy, she explained, has allowed her to focus on her craft without being caught up in the materialistic side of success. It also serves as a lesson for aspiring artists—that true creativity flourishes when freed from the constraints of public validation.