On 12/10, I got the chance to attend a listening session at Chung King Studios for Erykah Badu’s upcoming new album, New Amerykah Part II: The Return Of The Ankh. Unfortunately due to someone recording a song at the previous night’s session, and leaking it online, all cell phones and recording devices were forbidden in the studio. But to my surprise, the music, and relaxed atmosphere made me forget that I wasn’t connected.
Once we left all forms of communications at the door, i joined the realms of the media elite, and entered the studio. We were greeted with a welcoming atmosphere, the light was dim, and candles lit, all around. As if that didn’t get us all hooked, there was a variety of vegan delicacies, and of course, the drinks were flowing. As we anxiously awaited Erykah’s arrival, we listened to some of her previous chart topping hits. As I sat there listening to her older tracks I thought to myself, ‘she really makes great music.’ Listening to her amazing joints, you can tell she does it from her heart, and not for the money, or the fame.
45 minutes later, Erykah entered the building, and greeted the crowd. Although we were told by (the) label staff that she wasn’t too eager to play the music, because of the leak. But in my opinion, her spirits were high, and she came in smiling. I’ll be the first to admit, although before this listening session, I was only familiar with her popular radio songs. Once I heard the tracks from her upcoming album, I realized I was truly in the presence of a talented and unique artist.
As Erykah spoke about her new album, I could immediately knew she created this music purely for the love of the art, and this made me an instant fan. Once the new tunes started playing, the lights dimmed – even more. There was a cool vibe, we were all relaxing, chill, and enjoying the tunes. As I sat there listening to her sing, I caught chills because I could hear, and feel the emotion she brought into her music. Each track had a unique and refreshing sound. The song that stood out to me the most, was one where she sampled Junior Mafia’s ‘Get Money.’ The remake was a interesting spin and to hear Erykah deliver over a beat like that was amazing. Who’s doesn’t love a Junior Mafia joint?
After the CD finished playing, Erykah took questions from the media, making each response personable and sincere. Once the session was over, I made a courageous move, one that a lot of people were too nervous to do. I walked up to Ms. Badu and told her how I felt about her music. I let her know that although I’m most familiar with her old school tracks, listening to her new CD made me an instant fan. She gracefully thanked me and you can tell she sincerely appreciated my compliments.
After that experience, I can truly say I am an Erykah Badu fan. I’ll definitely be supporting her music and movement as long as she continues to do what she does best, stay true to herself. I wonder who I’ll walk up to next time? Stay tuned.
