Erykah Badu Announces New Album “Abi & Alan” with The Alchemist

Erykah Badu is officially back. The Dallas-born queen of neo-soul has announced her first full-length project in over a decade — and she’s not just dropping it, she’s unveiling it in a way only she can. Abi & Alan, produced entirely by The Alchemist, arrives August 29, 2025, marking a major return for one of the most influential voices in R&B, soul, and hip-hop.

The Album: “Abi & Alan”

This project represents a fresh chapter in Badu’s artistry. Known for bending genres and refusing to be boxed in, she’s partnered with acclaimed hip-hop producer The Alchemist to create an album that blends his atmospheric soundscapes with her layered vocals and fearless storytelling.

It’s the first time Badu has released a full-length album since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), a project that cemented her reputation as a cultural innovator. With Abi & Alan, she’s once again taking a risk — pairing soul with a producer best known for hip-hop legends.

The Tour: A Live First Listen

Before the official release, fans will get a one-of-a-kind experience. The “Abi & Alan Luv Is Tour,” running from August 8 to August 24, gives audiences the first chance to hear the album live. Badu and The Alchemist will perform the record in full, creating an immersive, debut-style rollout rarely seen in today’s industry.

This approach is fitting for Badu, who has always turned her concerts into something more than music. For her, live performance is ritual — a space where sound, energy, and culture collide.

Legacy and Context

The anticipation surrounding Abi & Alan is amplified by what comes next: later this year, Badu will celebrate the 25th anniversary of her classic Mama’s Gun with a dedicated tour. That project, released in 2000, remains one of her most beloved works, and its influence can still be heard across today’s R&B and hip-hop.

This dual movement — honoring her past while creating something completely new — reflects Badu’s role as both a cultural ancestor and a boundary-pushing contemporary.

For Black music, the return of Erykah Badu means more than just another album drop. She represents a lineage of artistry that is deeply tied to storytelling, community, and innovation. Pairing with The Alchemist, who brings a distinct hip-hop sensibility, ensures Abi & Alan will not just be nostalgic, but forward-facing.

Fans have been waiting 15 years for new material. The fact that Badu is making her comeback through a collaborative, live-first experience underscores her commitment to staying original in a copy-paste era.