Large Part Of Erykah Badu’s Success Came From Originality

After taking in the jazzy, soothing melodies on the album “Baduizm,” it might be hard picturing Erykah Badu as a rapper opening for the likes of Method Man or Naughty by Nature.

But, then again, you won’t find anything run-of-the-mill about this multidimensional, multitalented artist who has been the buzz of the industry since her debut, “Baduizm,” topped the charts earlier this year.

It’s the originality of the 26-year-old Dallas native - of her music, her videos and her personality - that’s largely responsible for her success.

Her sound is an infusion of many music forms, from jazz to blues. Her regal Afrocentric image and her trademark turban stand out from the typical prancing R&B singers trotted out by the music industry.

Her album has already gone platinum; her second single and video, “Next Lifetime,” are receiving heavy rotation on music and video stations.

No wonder, then, that everyone is trying to get a piece of her these days.

She’s been featured on shows like BET’s “Planet Groove” and “The David Letterman Show” and will soon be the subject of an MTV “Unplugged” special.

And after wrapping up a short tour with singer Eric Benet, she will join the “Smokin’ Grooves” summer tour with the likes of George Clinton, Foxy Brown and the Pharcyde.

1. Have you always been into music?

Badu: I’ve always been an artist. The Creator is in me, and I’m a creator as well. I’m a totally left-side brain person. I function well as an artist. Anything I do is art. I dress art, I live art, I eat art. I feel it all over and that’s what I’ve always done well, effortlessly because it’s just me.

2. What is it that makes you stand out from other R&B singers?

Badu: What makes me different is that it is different.

I think that anyone else who does not choose to be different is doing themselves a disservice, because you don’t have to be like anyone else.

3. You have drawn comparisons to Billie Holiday. Is she someone you studied?

Badu: Well … Diana Ross was my first introduction to Billie Holiday, as a matter of fact, in (the 1972 film) “Lady Sings the Blues,” and I felt really attached to that era.

4. How difficult was it to get your recording contract?

Badu: It was not difficult. It took me eight months to complete the demo, the ninth month I was signed. I just decided to let the Creator do the work. When I decided to … manifest positivity and light through my work, everyone else did the work.

5. What’s your approach to music?

Badu: I just do what I feel. What I grew up listening to influenced me a lot - soul, ‘70s music. As I become about 12 or 13, hip-hop was a heavy influence, so I grew up ‘hip-hop soul.’

As an infant, I listened to Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, the Emotions, all of those pioneers who aided in the ‘70s soul era. They were all my influences.