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Erykah
Badu
Mama's Gun
By Carla Robinson
On her long-awaited second studio release, Mama’s Gun, Erykah Badu proves
that she’s one of the boldest and most inventive artists making music. While Baduizm
vibed on another level, Mama’s Gun heads straight for the stratosphere. It’s a
meticulous record, harkening back to a time when musicians mattered and every note sung
was a play between lyrics and instruments.
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Those expecting to peel back the cover on another Baduizm
had better prepare for a whole new ride. Ms. Badu opens the car door and welcomes us in,
but she’s doing the driving. Lucky us. She takes us down roads precious few R&B
artists dare explore. While Baduizm gave us that delicious jazzed-out hip-hop, Mama’s
Gun meshes rock (“Penitentiary Philosophy”), hints of reggae (“In Love With
You”), vintage jazz and R&B (“Green Eyes” and “Bag Lady,”
respectively) and folk (“A.D. 2000,” on which she plays acoustic guitar),
creating unbelievable flow.
“Bag Lady” is not the radio version. Here, Badu freaks it tighter, letting the
snares and bongos lead the way. “Green Eyes” is a tripartite masterpiece,
leading us from the simplicity of ‘30s-style jazz and adding a wash of flute and bass
to take us into the ‘70s. The final section folds in full horns and other flourishes
for a modern jazz feel, culminating in the lyrics “I know our love will never be the
same but I can’t stand these growing pains.” With greats Roy Hargrove, Roy Ayers
and Betty Wright representing, Mama’s Gun hits its target with a Big Bang. M
December 2000
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