Erykah Abi Wright (born
Erica Abi Wright; February 26, 1971), better known by her stage name
Erykah Badu , is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, and actress. Badu's career began after
opening a show for
D'Angelo in 1994 in her hometown; record label executive
Kedar Massenburg was highly impressed with her performance and signed her to Kedar Entertainment. Her first album,
Baduizm, was released on February 11, 1997. It spawned three singles: "
On & On", "Next Lifetime" and "Otherside of the Game". The album was certified
triple Platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Badu's first live album,
Live, was released on November 18, 1997 and was certified double Platinum by the RIAA.