Erykah Badu and The Alchemist Announce Highly Anticipated Joint Album

Music icons Erykah Badu and The Alchemist are joining forces for a highly anticipated collaborative album, "Before the World Blows: The Abi and Alan Experiment," slated for release on August 28, 2026. The project, which has been in development for 18 months, was meticulously crafted across Dallas and Los Angeles.

The album promises a rich sonic tapestry, weaving together elements of soul, blues, funk, rock, jazz, and underground hip-hop. This diverse blend reflects the unique artistic sensibilities of both Badu and The Alchemist, suggesting a groundbreaking fusion of their signature styles.

The collaboration began over three years ago when Badu expressed her desire to work with The Alchemist. Their initial studio session yielded the track "Next to You." Subsequently, The Alchemist provided Badu with a collection of instrumental beats, which she transformed into new songs, forming the foundation of the album.

To further refine the material, the duo performed the songs live in intimate, phone-free settings throughout 2024 and 2025. The lead single, "Witch Doctor," has been released alongside a music video directed by and starring Badu herself. The video premiered in conjunction with her 2010 short film "Window Seat."

This release marks a significant return to studio work for Erykah Badu, as it is her first official studio album in 16 years. The Alchemist, meanwhile, has maintained a consistent presence in the hip-hop production scene. The album's release is accompanied by an unconventional promotional campaign, including "One More Song..." posters in major cities and interactive puzzles for fans to uncover the album title. Badu has also launched "Badu Burner Phone," offering fans a chance to connect with her via video call.