From The Archive: Erykah Badu - But You Cain't Use My Phone

Originally released in November of 2015 on Motown/Control Freaq, “But You Cain’t Use My Phone” was inspired in part as a further dive into Badu’s seminal 2008 track “Telephone”.

The song was inspired by the passing of her friend and legendary producer J Dilla, and it reappears as a tribute to DJ Screw, another late rap producer on "But You Cain’t Use My Phone." In this mixtape, Badu views phones as more than mundane gadgets; she sees them as mystical devices connecting different realms and emotions. Phones can facilitate profound communication but also create misunderstandings and distractions, reflecting a range of emotions, from heartbreak to lust, intelligence to foolishness.

Created in just 12 days with producer Zach Witness, the tape captures an off-the-cuff feel while incorporating depth and wisdom. It pays homage to the past, including Drake's "Hotline Bling," a song that draws from Timmy Thomas' 1972 track "Why Can't We Live Together." Badu's mixtape spans four decades of phone-related pop, intertwining her unique style with other artists' influences.

While Badu favors the old-school, pre-cellphone era, she also acknowledges the allure of modern technology. "Phone Down" urges someone to disconnect from the digital world and embrace real-life experiences, but the somber tone suggests it might be too late.

The mixtape concludes with a revamped version of "Hello It's Me," featuring André 3000, the father of Badu's son. Despite their past breakup, they remain connected and collaborate on art. As the song fades, their voices come together, symbolizing an ongoing conversation.

In summary, "But You Cain’t Use My Phone" is a reflective mixtape by Erykah Badu, blending her signature style with a diverse range of influences. Through her music, she explores the mystical and emotional aspects of phones while paying tribute to the past and cherishing meaningful connections.

We did two separate runs of this record for a total of almost 8,000 opaque purple records. As far as Badu albums go, this mixtape is an underrated gem in her discography that we are stoked to have been a part of its rebirth on vinyl.