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4 clusters · 20 sources · 29 days · First seen · Last updated

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist release ‘Before the World Blow

Overview

Erykah Badu and producer The Alchemist have released their collaborative 16-track studio album, ‘Before the World Blows: The Abi and Alan Experiment’, via Young and Control Freaq Records. Recorded over 18 months in Dallas and Los Angeles, the project marks Badu’s first full-length studio album in 16 years.

The album blends neo-soul, R&B, jazz, blues, funk, rock, and underground hip-hop, featuring guest artists such as Westside Gunn, Steve Lacy, Thundercat, Earl Sweatshirt, Kamasi Washington, and DRAM. Structured in four movements, the work explores themes of love, art, identity, and memory by integrating The Alchemist’s samples with Badu’s melodic reconstructions.

Notably, the tracks ‘What The People Say’ and ‘Hot BiBi’ feature samples from the 1977 song ‘Te úgy mentél el’ by the Hungarian group Apostol, utilizing the song’s melancholic piano and soft woodwinds with permission from rights holders. In a discussion on Apple Music, Badu stated that the collaboration helped her rediscover her creative passion and reconnect with the “fundamental love for her craft,” moving away from the pressures of competition.

Following the digital release, physical editions—including CD, cassette, and double LP—are scheduled for official release on December 11. Special editions will include limited white-label versions via Bandcamp and specific vinyl colors, such as neon orange and transparent yellow, through select retailers. To support the release, the duo is embarking on a North American tour beginning September 10 at the Ravinia Festival, concluding at the Hollywood Bowl on September 29.

Entities

The Alchemist · Erykah Badu · Young Recordings · Control Freaq Records · Westside Gunn

Timeline

  1. about 20 hours ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist release new album featuring Hungarian samples

    Erykah Badu and producer The Alchemist have released a new collaborative album, ‘Before the World Blows’, featuring samples from the Hungarian band Apostol.

  2. 11 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist release collaborative album

    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist have released their collaborative album ‘Before The World Blows: The Abi and Alan Experiment’, with physical CD and LP editions arriving December 11.

  3. 17 days ago

    [CULTURE] 16 sources
    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist release joint album ‘Before the World Blows’

    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist have released ‘Before the World Blows: The Abi and Alan Experiment’, Badu’s first studio album in 16 years, featuring 16 tracks and various high-profile guest artists.

  4. 30 days ago

    [CULTURE] 14 sources
    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist announce collaborative album release

    Erykah Badu and The Alchemist have set August 28 for the release of their collaborative album, teased with the new single “Witch Doctor.” A North American tour with De La Soul is planned for this fall.

Sources

allhiphop.com · billboard.com · blogol.hu · cdjournal.com · complex.com · consequenceofsound.net · hip-hopvibe.com · jenesaispop.com · newsic.it · ourculturemag.com · rapologia.it · ratedrnb.com · ratingsgamemusic.com · rockon.it · rollingstone.it · teesche.com · theneedledrop.com · thesource.com · whudat.de · youknowigotsoul.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history