New Amerykah Review

What does a revolution sound like? A compilation of muted horns, gentle beats, and varied tempos, with the prized vocals of Miss Badu. Reminiscent of Billie Holiday’s jazz-rasp and Mary J. Blige’s truth, Erykah Badu steps to the mic with sheer genius on her fourth official album, New Amerykah. Evidently Erykah’s most ambitious album to date, her collaboration with jazz vibraphonist Ayers and dj/rapper/producer Madlib offers a diverse, eclectic album. Ayers with the boisterous “American Promise,” and Madlib with softer tracks like “Me,” and “My People.” Badu is stronger than ever lyrically, and delivers a much more personal project. Though her return is long awaited, this album is not for fans expecting Baduism or Mama’s Gun. It’s much more audacious, successively telling the story of African Americans from slavery to the present. If conflict isn’t your thing, don’t step to Amerykah.