There has been widespread talk about Erykah Badu and her alleged connection to witchcraft through the infamous “Badoo box,” but is there any truth to these claims? You’ve probably heard the urban legend that suggests her gaze can make anyone – men, women, children, even animals – fall in love with her. Some speculate that her rumored voodoo practices might be why she struggles to maintain relationships.
Glasses Malone, a witness to her captivating presence, recounted how he was warned off by Birdman in New Orleans, Louisiana, where such beliefs are more prevalent. This suggests that the speculation isn’t limited to fans; even celebrities have commented on her mystical aura.
Erykah’s former partners have also hinted at her unique nature, though none have outright called her a witch. This adds fuel to the speculation surrounding her and the mysterious energies she’s said to wield.
Erykah’s first publicly known relationship was with Andre 3000, whom she met around 1995 at a nightclub in New York City. By November 1997, she had given birth to their son. It’s been said that their relationship had a profound impact on Andre. When they got together, Andre was still searching for his true self, and Erykah’s influence helped him transition smoothly into the person he is today. Reports suggest that Erykah played a role in Andre’s shift from jerseys and baggy jeans to more eclectic fashion choices, as well as in his musical experimentation. Andre himself acknowledged Erykah’s significant influence on him, although opinions vary on whether this was positive or negative. Many believe Erykah changed Andre 3000 substantially, and some even suggest her influence on him was akin to using voodoo to boost his career, which seemingly waned after their breakup.
As for Erykah’s personal life, she also dated Common. In a 2014 interview, Common humorously referenced the “Badu box,” suggesting a mystical connection with Erykah that transcended physical attraction. He described her as someone truly special, possessing a unique and spiritual essence that went beyond mere appearances.
Regarding my current music-making process, I haven’t been very active. My focus and confidence in that area are lacking at the moment.
Many might not realize this, but similar to Common, Erykah has had relationships with several individuals. Whether it’s related to mystical influences or not, folklore often suggests that magic comes with a cost. For Erykah, that cost might have been struggling to maintain long-term relationships.
After Common, Erykah dated The D.O.C. Their relationship saw the birth of their daughter, Puma, in the summer of 2004. However, things didn’t last. During an interview with the Dallas Observer, The D.O.C. mentioned Erykah’s Dallas home and expressed his enchantment with her, leading many to interpret her effect on him as spellbinding.
Following this, there was Jay Electronica. The details of their breakup remain unknown, but they share a child named Mars, and Erykah remains a significant presence in Jay’s life. Additionally, Erykah was involved with Carl Jones, whom she met around 2014 during voice-over work for Black Dynamite.
Interestingly, Carl was married at the time. Despite his wife’s presence during Erykah’s voice-over project, Carl developed strong feelings for Erykah. By 2015, Carl was openly tweeting about Erykah, sharing numerous selfies and declaring his love for her. Sources even suggest that Carl’s affection for Erykah led to the end of his marriage.
Why would a married man behave this way unless under some kind of spell? It’s no wonder some might jest that Erykah has mystical abilities, especially given her playful references to witchcraft. In 2016, she posted a lighthearted promotional video for the Soul Train Awards, prompting one of her followers on Facebook to comment about her “witch hat,” hinting at a deeper, mystical aspect to her persona.
Before any further comments could be made on the post, Erykah promptly responded to the comment by stating, “I’m a witch.” This left many wondering whether she was joking or confirming her status as a witch.
In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Erykah mentioned an urban legend about her effect on men, saying, “The men that I fall in love with and who fall in love with me experience changes in their jobs and lives. Um, okay, honey.”
Adding to the intrigue for many was Erykah’s creation of a fragrance designed to mimic her essence, which quickly sold out on her online store. People questioned why someone would create a fragrance that resembled their private parts—something often associated with witches crafting love potions in movies.
Explaining her motivation to BET, Erykah said, “First of all, I’m Erykah Badu. Secondly, in this industry, there’s a legend that my essence influences people profoundly—it changes their views on influences, religion, politics, and everything else. That’s why I decided to create it. I believe everyone deserves it.”
And as for the ingredients of the fragrance? Erykah revealed to Ten Magazine, “I took numerous pairs of my panties, cut them into small pieces, and burned them. Even the ashes were part of it.” It’s quite unconventional—were the panties washed beforehand, or were they used unwashed for the full effect? It’s all rather intriguing, isn’t it?
Regarding Erykah, there are certain controversies surrounding her that some have suggested might be part of ritualistic behavior. For instance, she faced charges of disorderly conduct after appearing nude in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas during the filming of her music video “Window Seat.” This was seen as a social-political performance art piece directed by herself. It certainly raised eyebrows and left many wondering about its meaning.
In February 2012, Erykah Badu’s concert in Malaysia was canceled due to her temporary tattoo featuring the word “Allah” on her body. This choice sparked significant controversy and questions.
Additionally, in April 2014, Erykah received criticism from the US-based Human Rights Foundation for performing at the birthday celebration of King Mswati III, known as Africa’s last absolute monarch, whose reign is marked by luxury amid widespread poverty and HIV rates. Erykah’s gesture of presenting him with a $100 bill and a Good Luck Stone was viewed by some as peculiar and unconventional.
The narrative around Erykah’s persona often involves discussions of witchcraft, either as a result of exaggerated perceptions or genuine expressions of her beliefs. Some dismiss this as nonsensical, attributing her allure to her outspoken defense of controversial topics and strong identification with male figures.
Opinions on Erykah’s behavior vary greatly. Some are unsettled by her actions, questioning whether she gives off “witchy vibes” or if her challenges in relationships stem from this persona. Share your thoughts below on whether you perceive Erykah as having mystical qualities and how this influences your views on her experiences with relationships.
