Badu's Best Video Moments



Unless you were trapped underneath a rock this past weekend, then you likely have either seen, or at least heard about Erykah Badu's latest video that had the internet-world buzzing, "Window Seat." Though seemingly simplistic in nature, the video has stirred up some rather complex reactions, spawning passionate debates on several blogs and websites, including this one. The video, which shows Badu brazenly stripping down to her birthday suit in the middle of downtown Dallas, is just the latest in a long line of made-you-look-twice video expressions from the musical (and visual) chameleon. Shot guerrilla-style in one take, she defies expectations, while forcing viewers to think beyond their comfort zones. It's Badu's fearlessness and refusal to shy away from discomfort that undoubtedly makes "Window Seat" Erykah Badu's most memorable video of all time. Check out the other videos that round out her top five video moments after the bounce.
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2. "Honey"
From the album New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War, 2008

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Erykah pulled out all the visual stops in the video for this warm groove, recreating several of music's most memorable album covers. Co-directed by Badu and Chris Robinson, she pays homage to the likes of Rufus & Chaka Khan, Eric B. & Rakim, Labelle, Diana Ross, Grace Jones and De La Soul, just to name a few. Not to mention that we loved the nod to Andre 3000's hit video, "Hey Ya!" Badu and co-director Robinson (credited under the alias "Mr. Roboto") went on to earn a Moon Man for Best Direction at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

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3. "Bag Lady"
From the album Mama's Gun, 2000

While the original version of this song is considerably more mellow, it was the song's powerful message, backed by the hypnotic sample of Dr. Dre's "XXplosive" that makes this offering another of Badu's shining moments. The simple, yet colorful video, packs a powerful punch as Badu takes on the form of self-love advocate, imploring women to let go of their emotional baggage. Appearances by N'dambi, YahZarah and Badu's sister, Nayrok marked this colorful clip.

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4. "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)"
From the Brown Sugar soundtrack, 2002

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The ever-changing Badu tapped into her b-girl roots on this joint, showcasing both her lyrical and break dancing skills. The fact that the song saw her pairing up with her then-boo, Common, in this love song to Hip-Hop didn't hurt either. Although the two would later part ways, their collabo still nabbed them a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2003, while spending four weeks atop Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

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5. "On & On"
From the album Baduizm, 1997

This video gave the world its first glimpse of this one-of-a-kind Southern belle in her debut video. We were instantly enraptured by the head-wrap rocking, hazel-eyed sista with the Jazz-tinged voice that conjured up comparisons to the legendary Billie Holiday. Inspired by the motion picture, The Color Purple, the song/video went on to earn Badu her first Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1998.

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These are our favorite Badu videos, but share your top five in the comments section.

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