Question 1

Did Erykah Badu write her own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on nearly all of them. She is credited on 55 of the 60 tracks across her five studio albums. What she almost never does is write alone: only four of those tracks carry her name and no other, two of them the intro and outro of Worldwide Underground. James Poyser is her most frequent co-writer at 17 tracks.

Question 2

Who wrote "On & On"?

Accepted Answer

Badu and Jahmal Cantero, who produced under the name Jah Born. It reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was her first hit.

Question 3

Who wrote "Bag Lady"?

Accepted Answer

Badu and Shaun Martin, with the writers of the sampled record credited alongside them, including Isaac Hayes and Andre Young. It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest placing.

Question 4

How many albums has Erykah Badu released?

Accepted Answer

Five studio albums between 1997 and 2010: Baduizm, Mama's Gun, Worldwide Underground, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) and New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh).

Question 5

Which tracks did she write by herself?

Accepted Answer

Four. "Didn't Cha Know" and "Booty" on Mama's Gun, and the two halves of "World Keeps Turnin'" that open and close Worldwide Underground.

Question 6

Who is James Poyser?

Accepted Answer

A keyboard player and producer from the Soulquarians circle who has worked with Badu since Baduizm. He is credited as a writer on 17 of her tracks, more than anyone else outside Badu herself.

Question 7

Which album sold the most?

Accepted Answer

Baduizm, at 2,800,000 in the United States. The RIAA certified it 3x Platinum.

Question 8

Why is she called the Queen of Neo Soul?

Accepted Answer

Critics gave her the nickname after Baduizm put her at the front of the neo soul movement in 1997.

Question 9

What awards has she won?

Accepted Answer

16 awards from 59 nominations. They include a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000 and a second for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2003 for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)".

Question 10

Is Before the World Blows part of this catalogue?

Accepted Answer

No. It is credited to Badu and the Alchemist together rather than to Badu alone, so it sits outside the five solo studio albums counted here.