Recorded between 1999 and 2000 at Electric Lady Studios in New York and released by Motown Records, Mama’s Gun incorporates elements of funk, soul, and jazz styles. It has confessional lyrics by Badu, which cover themes of insecurity, personal relationships, and social issues. Critics have also noted that while Baduizm contained its share of cryptic lyricism, Mama’s Gun is much more direct in its approach, and places the artist in a subjective position more than its predecessor.
Check out this playlist of music that inspired the album featuring Billie Holiday, D’Angelo, Prince, Common, The Roots, Mos Def and more.
Read more: The Story of Erykah Badu ‘Mama’s Gun’
Listen: Erykah Badu ‘Mama’s Gun’ Legacy Playlist