from the archive: Erykah badu - worldwide underground

Since we opened our doors for production in January 2020, securing contracts for a series of represses with the legendary Erykah Badu was something that motivated us to step up our game. Despite our crew of employees varying in taste & preference, one thing we all agreed on was that Ms. Badu was and is the undisputed queen. 

Badu, for those who aren’t acquainted with her, started her music career in 1997 with the release of her freshman project Baduizm which received critical acclaim and earned her the designation “Queen of Neo-soul”. 

"Worldwide Underground" is the third studio album by Badu, released in 2003. The album features a blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop, with elements of jazz and world music. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album doesn’t lead you down the rabbit hole of metaphorical questioning, it is confidently in your face with its messaging, which is represented well in the cover art.

The album includes collaborations with several notable artists, including rapper Common, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and legendary funk musician George Clinton. The tracks feature airborne-level infectious rhythms and grooves, with Badu's signature soulful vocals and socially conscious lyricism.

Some standout tracks on the album include "Danger," which features a sample from Fela Kuti's "Fear Not for Man," and "Back in the Day (Puff)," paying homage to the golden age of hip-hop. "I Want You" is a humid ballad with a jazzy feel, while "Bump It" is a funk-driven track with an unforgettable hook.

Overall, "Worldwide Underground" is an expansive while simultaneously well-polished album that showcases Badu's versatility as an artist. The album's eclectic blend of genres and collaborations with other artists create a deeply comforting sonic experience that is both refreshing and classic. 

We were lucky enough to do two separate represses of WWU, totalling almost 10,000 units using an impressively fitting opaque purple vinyl. This project has been released and is available for purchase at a record store near you.