Erykah Badu – Her ‘Black Western’ Debut

erykah-badu
November 21, 2012 11:23 am By Sid Powell
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“From then on, I realized this is what I want to do, what I’m supposed to do: Giving energy and receiving it back through applause. I love it. That’s my world. I love it. I enjoy it. I live for it.” ~ Erykah Badu

When it comes to entertainers, it’s safe to say that Erykah Badu has held a spot at the top of the list.  Known for her ability to woo a crowd with her sultry sound and easy flow – she proves over and over that she is a star. Erykah has never ceased to amaze fans and critics alike, jumping onto the scene rocking colorful head wraps, dripping with that 1970’s power-to-the-people swag.  Her debut album, Baduizm, which was released in early 1997 would go on to go triple platinum with her lead single “On & On”, winning Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremonies. Her larger than life hair-do’s and overall stage presence would prove that she was a lyrical force to be reckoned with for years to come.

Dubbed the “First Lady of Neo-Soul” for her eccentric, cerebral musical stylings and sense of fashion, she’s found her way back to her theatrical roots – starring in the new star studded short film, They Die by Dawn. She’ll be joined on screen by Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson, Isaiah Washington and Jesse Williams who are all part of the newest gun-slinging ass-kicking crew in the Wild West. The short is directed by Jeymes Samuel.

Set in Langston, Oklahoma, the cameras follow four outlaws with bounties on their heads who decide to face-off against each other in the ultimate shootout.  The winner takes home the collective bounty. Looks like Erykah’s last show stopping appearance – shedding clothes in Downtown Dallas until she ended up bareback – won’t be her last ‘nu wave’ performance. She’ll make another maverick move strutting her stuff (fully clothed) along dusty dirt roads as tumbleweed passes by.

Let’s see how she does in a Wild West Western.

Will you support a Black Western?

Words by Sid Powell

Source: Essence

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