Erykah Badu dropped her first project, ‘Baduizm,’ in 1997 to commercial success and critical acclaim. She was labeled the Queen of neo-soul, helping open doors for other female artists like SZA, Solange, and Janelle Monáe who didn’t fit within the traditional R&B box. So there was pressure on her sophomore effort, ‘Mama’s Gun,’ which turns 25 years old in November. Here we explore the project, which was an ode to her son Seven, who she had with Andre 3000. We discuss the pressure she felt following up ‘Baduizm,’ break down the songs on ‘Mama’s Gun,’ why she directs all of her music videos, the one artist she wants to work with, and what she thinks of the state of R&B and hip-hop today.

“Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes” is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

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