Review #158: Mama’s Gun, Erykah Badu
#158: Mama’s Gun, Erykah Badu
If you’ve read my review of Erykah Badu’s debut, Baduizm, you know that I think Erykah Badu should run for president. I watched her Tiny Desk Concert from 2018 recently and wow. Just look at what she’s wearing. I want her to be queen of the world.
Mama’s Gun is her sophomore album and it’s flawless just like Baduizm is. She broke up with Andre 3000 (of Outkast) inbetween these two albums, so this one has a little less swagger and a little more introspection. Apparently they have a really great relationship now; Andre 3000 said that Badu is “like a cool sister more than anything.” Um, you have a child together!
By the way, Andre 3000 and Erykah Badu’s son is named Seven. And Seven helps them both write songs. In fact, Seven helped Badu write her remix of Drake’s “Hotline Bling.”
Erykah Badu, I can’t handle you!
FAVORITE SONGS:
“Penitentiary Philosophy” — Oh the whispers at the beginning sent shivers down my spine. This sounded a lot like Stevie Wonder’s “Ordinary Pain” on Songs In the Key of Life to me.
“Didn’t Cha Know” — Produced by J-Dilla, who was apparently a beloved hip-hop producer until he died of Lupus complications in 2006.
“My Life” — The squeaking sound on this song REALLY freaked my dog out. But she didn’t bark at all! Because she’s the best girl! Yes she is!
“… & On” — A continuation of her debut single, “On & On.”
“Cleva” — She sounds like she’s inflecting every word with a light soul alien accent.
“Hey Sugah — Interlude” — Love all these woodwinds, and how all the songs blend into each other.
“Booty” — And percussion! We need more cowbell!
“A.D. 2000” — Funny how an acoustic guitar sounds like a revelation when Erykah Badu does it. Fun fact, this album was released on Halloween of 2000.
“Orange Moon” — Same with a piano ballad. How good it is.
“In Love With You” — Featuring Stephen Marley, Bob Marley’s son! He actually sounds a lot like Bob Marley.
“Bag Lady” — Love this. Can’t be taking baggage with you, so pack light.
“Time’s A Wastin” — Living in the world is oh-so strange.
“Green Eyes” — My eyes are green cuz I ate a lot of vegetables/It don’t have nothing to do with your new friend. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:
None, none, obviously none.
IS RS FULL OF IT?
Absolutely not. Andre 3000 might be, but not Erykah Badu.
