Erykah Badu

Mama's Gun

Heard Here Rating:
"Makes my heart beat fast. Got any speed?"

It's been four years since Erykah Badu's release of her multi-platinum debut Baduizm. There has been a live album, a Grammy-winning collaboration with the Roots, but nothing in the way of a major project. Badu's new album Mama's Gun proves worth the wait. While Mama's Gun does not break any new ground, it will satisfy her fans and maintain her widespread appeal.

The material on Mama's Gun wisely does not stray too far from that of Baduizm. Most of the album's tracks feature Badu's vocals laid out over a variety of mellowed-out beats, instruments and samples. (Most notably Dr. Dre's "Xplosive" on "Bag Lady"). Lyrically, the album is well-written and the music is good enough that songs can be played at random.

Badu has always been know for producing rather atypical "motherland loving" style conscious music. But what is it that keeps Badu's music on the radio and singles selling in the stores, when many other conscious artists fall by the wayside? (Y'all remember Arrested Development?) Her success with mainstream audiences lies in the down to earth quality found in many of her songs. Tracks like "Booty," "Green Eyes," and "Bag Lady" all tackle the same old "I got a cheatin' man and you do too, so get rid of him," theme found in much of today's R&B. The fact that Badu is able to maintain her atypical style while covering typical topics keeps her away from "Arrested Developmentville."

Consistency with mass appeal is something that rarely happens in today's music scene. However, with her third album, Mama's Gun, Erykah Badu proves that it is possible. Mama's Gun will please those who buy Badu's albums, offering them music to listen to as they light candles and burn incense while sitting in a scented bathtub. Yet it still has material worthy of becoming the next "I'm gon' get rid of my sorry man" anthem for the average chick on the block.