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(January 21, 2010, New York, NY) – Universal Motown Records multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-actress ERYKAH BADU announced via Twitter that she will release her fifth studio album, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh, on March 30, 2010. The new album is the singer’s hotly anticipated follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2008 disc, New Amerykah, Part I: 4th World War.
In contrast to New Amerykah, Part I: 4th World War, which was digitally produced and political in tone, New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh features lush live instrumentation and taps into Badu’s emotional side by thematically focusing on romance and relationships. “With Part I, I was standing at an apex, looking at what was going on around me politically, socially, and economically,” Badu explained. “With Part II, I’m hovering over me, looking at what’s going on inside of me.”
New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh features contributions from some of the most talented, groundbreaking, underground producers and engineers in the hip-hop game, including Grammy winners 9th Wonder and James Poyser, eclectic soul singer Bilal, and the late J Dilla. “We used a lot of analog instruments—harps, strings, drums, piano, and even a Theremin—to give the album that sonic feel,” said Badu. “There’s a strong undercurrent of bottom, a rumbling to these songs that feels good to me. It feels like a hug.”
The press is already raving about New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh, one of the most anticipated albums of 2010. The Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog calls it “a throwback to her 1997 debut, ‘Baduizm,’ with a more acoustic feel” while Vibe.com says, “Badu delivers an album that offers the emotional highs, lows and maddening complexities of being involved in a romantic relationship.” Additionally, Okayplayer.com writes, “The album is dope,” and Suite903.com declares, “The new album is beyond amazing.”
ERYKAH BADU, a Dallas native, emerged in 1997 with her masterpiece debut album, Baduizm, as a primal force of nature connecting old school soul with contemporary R&B. The album garnered her numerous award nominations, including two Grammys (Best Female R&B Vocal, Best R&B Album) and multiple top spots on critics’ Best-Of-The-Year Lists. In 2000, she followed up with the critically acclaimed platinum-selling album, Mama’s Gun. In 2003, the EP World Wide Underground was awarded Gold certification.
Track Listing for New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh:
1. “20 Feet Tall”Produced by Erykah Badu and 9th Wonder.
2. “Window Seat”Produced by Erykah Badu and James Poyser. Featuring Ahmir ”?uestove” Thompson (drums), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (bass), James Poyser (keys), Kirsten Agnesta (harp).
3. “Agitation” Produced by Erykah Badu and Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA Creative Partners.
4. “Get Money” Produced by Erykah Badu and Karieem Riggins (drums), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (bass), James Poyser (keys), Tommy Trajlio (guitar), Mike “Chav” Chavarria (mooger fooger). Contains an interpolation of “Can’t Turn Me Away,” by Sylvia Strippling.
5. “Don’t Be Long” Produced by Erykah Badu and Taarak.
6. “Love” Produced by Erykah Badu and J Dilla.
7. “Umm Hmm” Produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib.
8. “Fall in Love” Produced by Erykah Badu and Karieem Riggins. Contains a sample of “Intimate Friends” by Eddie Kendricks.
9. “Incense” (Instrumental)Produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib featuring Kirsten Agnesta (harp).
10. “Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 1) (Undercover Over-Lover)” Produced by Erykah Badu featuring James Poyser (keys).
11. “Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 2)” Produced by Erykah Badu and Georgia Ann Muldrow.
• Bonus Web-Only Track: “Jump In The Air,” featuring Lil Wayne and Bilal
Produced by Erykah Badu, RC Williams and Jahborn. Contains an interpolation of “Hydraulic Pump” by Parliament Funkadelic.
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