Erykah Badu Honors ‘Mama’s Gun’ at Tour Opener

Under the enchanting moonlight of the Hollywood Bowl, Erykah Badu kicked off ‘The Return Of Automatic Slim Tour,’ a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of her seminal 2000 album, ‘Mama’s Gun.’ A sold-out crowd gathered to immerse themselves in the neo-soul soundscape, proving that Badu’s artistry continues to resonate deeply.

An Unforgettable Opening Night

The evening began with an electrifying set from rapper Westside Gunn, whose raw energy and unique lyrical style captivated the audience. While some attendees were clearly there solely for the headliner, Gunn’s performance, filled with conscious lyrics and unexpected stunts, managed to win over many, showcasing a different facet of artistic expression.

After Gunn’s set, the stage transformed. A red light illuminated an elevated platform, and through a mystical haze of smoke, the 54-year-old icon, Erykah Badu, made her grand entrance. Dressed in a striking black hat, a red scarf, a leather top, and a voluminous white skirt, she was a vision of elegance and mystique.

A Journey Through ‘Mama’s Gun’

The concert officially commenced with ‘Penitentiary Philosophy,’ setting the tone for an evening dedicated to playing ‘Mama’s Gun’ in its entirety. Badu’s signature powerful vocals, imbued with a syrupy mystique, filled the amphitheater. Her smile, accentuated by a mouth full of gold, reflected the spotlight as she connected with fans singing along in awe.

As she moved through tracks like ‘Cleva,’ which features the late Roy Ayers, it became evident that this was a truly special ‘you had to be there’ experience. Badu masterfully transformed the Hollywood Bowl into a sanctuary, even interpolating Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers’ ‘Encourage Yourself’ into the soulful performance, backed by tribal-sounding drum patterns and her signature scatting.

Artistry, Commentary, and Connection

Badu continued to engage the audience with a spoken-word piece that explored the concept of a ‘black box,’ weaving in sexual references and social commentary. This segued perfectly into a live rendition of ‘Booty,’ followed by ‘Annie Don’t Wear No Panties’ and a track featuring Westside Gunn, hinting at future collaborations.

She also paid tribute to MF DOOM and acknowledged Alchemist, who was in attendance. During ‘Bag Lady,’ she gave a special moment to her longtime backup singer and Grammy-nominated artist, Durand Bernarr, affectionately calling him her ‘son.’ Badu also singled out an audience member named Vanessa for her ‘beautiful’ purple attire, breaking into Snoop Dogg’s ‘Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)’ much to the crowd’s delight.

The concert concluded with ‘Green Eyes,’ mirroring the album’s closing track. Although she didn’t perform the full 10-minute version, the standing ovation confirmed that Badu delivered everything the audience needed. As the show ended, attendees left enlightened, empowered, and thoroughly entertained.

Erykah Badu’s ‘The Return of Automatic Slim’ opening night was a powerful reminder of her enduring career, musical genius, and charismatic stage presence. It underscored the importance of performance as an art form, as she meticulously crafted her own universe on stage, offering listeners a place to connect with her poetic lyrics and profound reflections.