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| Worldwide Underground | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 16, 2003 | |||
| Recorded | 2001–2003 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 54:21 | |||
| Label | Motown | |||
| Producer |
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| Erykah Badu chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Worldwide Underground | ||||
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Worldwide Underground is the third studio album by American singer Erykah Badu, released September 16, 2003, by Motown Records. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2003, following Badu's period of writer's block, and her performances during the Frustrated Artist Tour.[1] Production was handled primarily by the production group Freakquency , consisting of Badu, Rashad Smith, James Poyser, and RC Williams.[2] Prominently influenced by old-school 1970s and 80s hip hop, soul, R&B and funk elements, the album features an unconventional musical structure; the songwriting took a path of somewhat less subliminal, metaphorical lyrics than Badu’s previous work, expressing more lighthearted (but sincere) feelings, instead. The album’s content mainly focused on the general state of hip hop culture, reminiscing on good times, friends, partying, young love, “hood life”, and some references to gang culture.[1][3][4][5][6][7] The album features appearances from artists Dead Prez, Common, Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, and singer Angie Stone.
The album debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 143,561 copies in its first week. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and produced three singles that achieved moderate chart success, while the album was underpromoted and sold less than her previous albums.[8][9] Upon its release, Worldwide Underground received generally lukewarm reviews from critics. The album has sold 609,000 copies in the United States.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
Nealwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
Kellmanwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ King, Aliya S. (November 2003). "Review: Worldwide Underground". Vibe. No. 147.
- ^ Jones, Steve. "Review: Worldwide Underground". USA Today. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (October 21, 2003). "Consumer Guide: Worldwide Underground". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Alt URL
- ^ Chauhan, Sunil (October 21, 2003). "Review: Worldwide Underground". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
- ^ Green, Thomas H. (November 27, 2003). "Review: Worldwide Underground". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
- ^ Nero, Mark Edward. "About Erykah Badu". About.com. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ Nero, Mark Edward (February 2008). "Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Pt. One: 4th World War". About.com. Retrieved October 23, 2011.