Connie Constance On The Timelessness Of Erykah Badu’s 1997 Debut ‘Baduizm’

The first studio album by iconic soul diva Erykah Badu has influenced an entire generation of artists and British newcomer Connie Constance is no exception here. Ahead of her upcoming performance at Berlin's INTRODUCING event we asked her to write a few lines about the LP for NBHAP.

22/04/2019
by Guest Author

Erykah Badu‘s debut album Baduzim holds a special place in my heart. It was my first ever record and a friend actually bought me this album for my birthday. Knowing my character well – my friend was quite shocked that I hadn’t heard of this artist before. Even though I grew up on indie rock and punk I’ve always expressed my love for lyricism; and this album is up they’re with the greatest of all time when comes down to message and word play.

It’s special to me as I think this album speaks to me like it speaks to most of my generation; with honesty, revolution, power, strength and love. My favourite song from it is probably On & On. Just listen to lyrics like

“If we were made in his image then call us by our names, most intellects do not believe in god, but they fear us just the same.”

Incredible poetry, isn’t it? Pretty much makes me shiver every time I hear that line. This song starts many revolutions in my mind. There’s something really timeless about Baduzim, I think it will always speak to people. I received the album years after it’s release but i believe it still effected me as much as the first person who heard it. Some paraphernalia will always be timeless regardless of the hand whom possesses it.

Connie Constance‘s debut album English Rose is out now via AMF Records/ Caroline International. She will also perfrom at the INTRODUCING event in Berlin on April 25. Find more information about the event and how you can get guestlist spots right here.