After 15-Year Break, Erykah Badu Returns with New Album

This image provided by Billboard shows neo-soul artist Erykah Badu on the magazine's cover ahead of receiving the Icon Award at the Billboard Women in Music event on March 29, in Los Angeles. 

Erykah Badu has announced plans to release her first studio album in 15 years. The highly anticipated project will feature collaborations with acclaimed hip-hop producer The Alchemist, known for his work with Eminem, Freddie Gibbs and the Griselda collective.

Badu, a Dallas native born Erica Abi Wright, revealed key details about the new album during an extensive interview with Billboard, sparking immediate excitement among fans eager for fresh material. Her previous studio album, "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)," was released in 2010 and earned widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics and innovative sound.

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Her groundbreaking 1997 debut, "Baduizm," significantly influenced the neo-soul genre, blending classic soul melodies with hip-hop beats and socially conscious lyrics. Throughout her career, Badu has maintained a carefully curated discography emphasizing authenticity and artistic evolution.

In the same Billboard interview, Badu passionately described her connection to live performances, stating, "I tour eight months out of the year... I am a performance artist. It's the immediate reaction between you and the audience that's magical. That's what I live for." Her devotion to live artistry is exemplified by her renowned live recording of the hit "Tyrone," one of her signature moments.

Outside of music, Badu has pursued diverse entrepreneurial interests, including her cannabis brand, "That Badu." She is also recognized for an impressive collection of vintage cars and remains deeply involved with her South Dallas community, regularly participating in local cultural initiatives.

Highlighting her lasting influence, Badu will receive the prestigious Icon Award at the Billboard Women in Music event on March 29 in Los Angeles, cementing her status as an influential cultural figure across multiple musical genres and generations.

West's Surprise 'Bully' Album Follows Social Media Attack Targeting Jay-Z's Children

Kanye West has released his latest project, "Bully," as a short film available in three different versions via Frame.io. The surprise drop comes amid ongoing controversy, including inflammatory remarks on social media and continued backlash over his recent antisemitic rhetoric.​

The black-and-white film, directed by West and edited by renowned hip-hop video director Hype Williams, features the rapper's 8-year-old son, Saint West, engaging in wrestling-themed visuals. In one scene, Saint uses a toy hammer against a professional Japanese wrestler while West raps, "Nobody finna extort me/ Even when they record me/ I’ma keep it more G." The song samples Kden Drip's "Preacher Man" and recalls the production style of West's earlier works, including "808s & Heartbreak" and "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." ​

West teased a "screening version," a "post Hype version," and a "post post Hype version" of the film; however, it remains unclear if additional iterations will be made available. As of now, "Bully" is not accessible on major streaming platforms. ​

The album includes multiple interpolations of classic songs, such as the Carpenters' "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and the Supremes' "You Can't Hurry Love." An untitled track features Spanish lyrics over a mariachi-style instrumental. This project marks West's first full-length release since "Vultures 1," his collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in February. Official production credits for "Bully" have yet to be released. ​

The album's rollout has been overshadowed by West's latest social media outbursts. On Tuesday, he used X (formerly Twitter) to post antisemitic statements, homophobic slurs, and personal attacks against fellow artists, including Playboi Carti and Drake. He also appeared to mock the children of Jay-Z and Beyoncé in an ableist remark. ​

His inflammatory rhetoric extended to comments about the music industry, where he suggested he may abandon digital streaming platforms entirely. "I may stop using DSPs cause streams are fake and the French and Jewish record labels treat artists like prostitutes," he wrote on X. ​

West has made similar statements in the past, leading to his estrangement from the industry and the loss of major brand partnerships, including Adidas and Balenciaga. ​

The surprise release of "Bully" follows last week's debut of "Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine," a song that reportedly features vocals from imprisoned music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, as well as West's daughter, North West, and Combs' son, King Combs. This led to reports that West's ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, is considering legal action to prevent their daughter's involvement in his music. According to Us Weekly, Kardashian has expressed concern over their children's exposure to West's increasingly controversial behavior and rhetoric. ​

Despite the turmoil, West has hinted at future releases, teasing both "Donda 3" and a potential "Vultures 2" album with Ty Dolla $ign. At this time, "Bully" remains available only via private links, and there is no word on whether West plans to release it on streaming services or in physical form.

John Legend Revisits His Roots with ‘Get Lifted’ Anniversary Tour

Twenty years ago, "Get Lifted" introduced the world to John Legend. Now, he's revisiting the iconic album with a commemorative tour.

The EGOT-winning artist announced today that he will embark on a world tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Get Lifted," the 2004 album that launched his career. The tour, which kicks off May 27 in Glasgow, Scotland, will take Legend across Europe before making stops in major U.S. and Canadian cities from August through December.

"I'm so excited to announce that I'm heading back on the road for the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour!" Legend, 46, wrote on Instagram. "Join me and my band for an unforgettable performance of the entire Get Lifted album — the album that introduced me to the world — plus a few favorites from my career that all of you know and love."

Fans can expect a nostalgic journey through some of his biggest hits, including "Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "Number One," and "So High," all of which helped Get Lifted earn three Grammy Awards in 2006. Originally released on Dec. 28, 2004, the album was executive produced by Kanye West and will.i.am, blending classic soul influences with hip-hop production to create a defining moment in modern R&B.

Legend will first perform across Europe in May and June, stopping in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich before heading to North America for a series of major dates, including shows at New York’s Barclays Center (Nov. 4), Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl (Sept. 28), and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena (Nov. 13).

To coincide with the tour, Legend is releasing "Get Lifted (20th Anniversary)," a deluxe reissue featuring eight remixes, rare B-sides, and two previously unreleased studio performances from the album's original sessions. Guest artists on the project include Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought.

"This album changed my life," Legend said in a statement via Sony Music. "I had no idea when I was making Get Lifted that it would introduce me to the world the way it did. To be able to celebrate this anniversary with fans, to revisit the songs, and to give people some unreleased moments from that era is really special to me."

Presale for European dates begins Wednesday, with general sales starting Friday, March 21. The North American presale starts Wednesday, March 26, with general sales opening Friday, March 28, via JohnLegend.com.

Legend, who last toured in 2023, has remained a force in music, television, and philanthropy, serving as a coach on The Voice and advocating for criminal justice reform. His Get Lifted Film Co. has also produced award-winning projects, including "Jingle Jangle" and "Monster."