Erykah Badu's gravely underappreciated masterpiece of 2000. The album is as enjoyable today as it was upon its release almost two years ago (October). Erykah's style and musical abilities were growing by leaps and bounds. The songs ranged from funk, jazz, soul, blues, folk and rock. Unfortuantely the album lagged in sales and appeal because it was highly personal, socially aware, deep in musicality, abstract, and it did not have any catchy hooks ie. "I think u betta call Tyrone". Sadly this album was passed over because people were getting into Jill Scott at the time and Sade's comback was dominating the airwaves. Although the aforementioned albums were good, IMHO Badu's album outshined them all. The last track "Green Eyes" is arguably the best ballad about love and loss written in the last 5 years. I just hope Ms. Badu does not let her fickle fans and record company cloud her vision and stunt her musical growth.

Absolutely Underrated!! The first time I heard this cd it blew me away. I loved it and still do. I remember recommending it to a friend and she didn't like it at all. Just another case of expectations not being met. I didn't think she would make a Baduizm 2 she never felt to me like the kind of artist to repeat herself. Just as D'Angelo did with VooDoo she took a huge risk and I love her for it. She created the album that she felt like making.

This album Kicks Ass! I love it!

Yes. one of the best R&B albums ever made and a TRUE SOPHOMORE MASTERWORK. She lost a few album sales, but so what? I look so forward to what this sista is going to do next. One of the few truly creative artists in contemporary R&B.

I love this album too. I have just seen her live here in Hamburg and it was very enjoyable!

Urbanhang22 said:

By far one of my favorite albums of all time...Experiencing her live performance during the Mama's Gun tour was as thrilling to me as when I first saw Prince...just incredible raw talent...

I think I'll give the disc a spin...

Hit&Miss with Me.I Like Certain things but I didn't feel it was a Really Good album overall IMHO.I think Her vocal Limitations kinda Hurt Her in spots for me.She is gonna last though I believe.

Would have been nice if the track listing matched the cd program but thats what made it fun - it didn't always play the song you thought you programed in. It's why I can't keep what song is what - plus the hidden track. Bag Lady remix cd single was good too - should have been more cd singles.

Urbanhang22 said:

Even more reason for me to wanna go out and buy the album NOW. Thanks for the review.

Just recenly bought it in Poland and it blew my socks off - I would love to see her live! I just loved the live version of the 'Tyrone' song.

Mama's Gun is a classic and the first track on the CD Penitentiary Philosophy is KICK ASS. I love the rock sound and wish she did more like this.

I hope to hear more from Miss Badu for years to come.

I love Mama's Gun too! Better album than Baduizm. May she keep forward wit dat sh*t!

Bought this a few months back, and havent played anything else since! It didnt hook me in immediately, but that's why I love it so much, she makes you listen and not just hear! Bag lady, In love with You, Time's a wastin, Cleva.. did see her on Later with Jools Holland last year, year before (?), but would have loved to see her live !

Kick ass album. Kick ass concert. I think the only song I don't like is the one she does with Steven Marley.