Erykah Badu - Baduizm (2 LP)

BADUIZM marks the debut of a true songstress, with a voice like Billie Holiday's and a style that crosses many boundaries. Erykah Badu has exceptional rhythm, character and vibe, and a songwriting style that should restore some life to modern R&B. From her groundbreaking single "On & On" to freestyle skits like "Afro", Badu separates herself from other '90 vocalists with a style that is as broad as it is original. It's also real: On "Next Lifetime" and "Certainly," Badu demonstrates a remarkable ability to turn life's experiences into beautiful songs. Mz. Badu's stunning debut album from '97 reissued on wax! Almost 20 years after its release, Baduizm is still on regular rotation here at the Lab. Erykah melds the vocal inflections of Jazz greats like Billie Holiday with soul sensibilities of 70s heavyweights like Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway. Add the unmistakable flow of the hip-hop MC, as evident on "On And On, and you get verses like: "I go on & on & on & on /