Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) (LP)

Label: Universal Motown – 00602438283477, Control Freaq Records – 00602438283477
Series: Limited Shades of Purple Vinyl Series
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Purple
Country: Europe
Released: Jan 6, 2023
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Funk / Soul
Style: Conscious, Broken Beat, Soul, Future Jazz, P.Funk, Funk

 

New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) is the fourth studio album by American R&B singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. It was released on February 26, 2008, by Universal Motown following Badu's hiatus from recording music due to writer's block. In returning from the hiatus, she received music from several hip hop producers over the Internet and recorded demos of her vocals using the GarageBand software on her laptop. Most of the album was then recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

New Amerykah Part One is an esoteric concept album titled as a pun on Badu's first name and a reflection of the record's political leanings. It features social commentary and themes related to the plight of the African-American community, including poverty, urban violence, complacency, and cultural identity. The record's densely produced music incorporates hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, and electronica styles.