We already brought you part one of our list of 15 things you probably did not know about Erykah Badu, and now we’re back with part two! Check out eight more fascinating facts about the singer and activist that you definitely (probably) did not know below. You might be surprised by what you find out!
Number Eight: She Met Flying Lotus on Myspace. Badu and Flying Lotus have collaborated on several songs together. You probably know that, but did you know they met on Myspace?
Number Seven: She Has Her Own Record Label. In November of 2015, Badu released her first mixtape under her own record label, which is called Control Freaq. The mixtape is called But You Caint Use My Phone and was met with critical acclaim.
Number Six: She Was Queen Mousette. Badu may have become famous for her musical talents, but she has ventured into the world of acting as well. Badu can be seen in 1998’s Blues Brothers 2000 as the character of Queen Mousette. Though the film was a commercial failure. Badu made another appearance in 1999’s The Cider House Rules.
Number Five: She Is the Face of a Fragrance. In 2008, Badu began working with Tom Ford and became the face of his fragrance titled White Patchouli. The two had been lifelong friends before they started working together.
Number Four: She Is a Serious Activist. In 1997, Badu established the Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development, or B.L.I.N.D. 501c3. The charity was created to help inner-city youth develop with the help of music, theater, visual arts, and dance. Badu has also traveled to Africa to help spread the message of her charity and do outreach work.
Number Three: She Is a Vegetarian. In fact, Badu has been a vegetarian for more than 20 years. She has also dabbled in veganism, and in 2008, she had been a vegan for two years.
Number Two: She Has a Son With Andre 3000. Badu’s son with OutKast member Andre 3000 is named Seven Sirius Benjamin, and he was born in 1997. However, Badu’s relationship with Andre 3000 ended in 1999. Andre wrote “Ms. Jackson” about Badu.
Number One: She Is the First Lady of Neo-Soul. Badu has been dubbed the first lady of neo-soul or the queen of neo-soul by many fellow musicians, although she often disputes the title. Badu is recognized for helping neo-soul emerge as a popular genre.