It's Erykah Badu's birthday! The queen is 45 and still a fountain of carefree wonder. Whether she's singing dope lyrics, dropping gems on social media or sharing her wisdom in an interview, Ms. Badu always embodies the glory of #BlackGirlMagic.
“Beauty looks like encouragement, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, carefulness and compassion.” ESSENCE May 2014
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02
On Self-Awareness
“It’s time for me to make some steps easy to blame somebody else but not this time.” Out of My Mind, Just in Time
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
03
On Style
“I view my hair and clothes as functional art. I’m my own stylist and I love it, but I am not trying to make a statement.” ESSENCE May 2014
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04
On Knowledge
“Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learn, if your knowledge were your wealth then it would be well earned.” On & On
Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET
05
On Freedom
“My soul flies free like a willow tree.” Apple Tree
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
06
On Mistakes
“Guess I was born to make mistakes but I ain’t scared to take the weight so when I stumble off the path I know my heart will guide me back.” Didn’t Cha Know
Larry Marano/Getty Images for Jazz in the Gardens
07
On Being Used
“And if you don’t want to be down with me you don’t want to pick from my apple tree.” Apple Tree
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08
On Letting Go
“Bag lady, you gon’ hurt your back Dragging all them bags like that.” Bag Lady
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09
On Seduction
“I can make you put your phone down, you ain’t gonna text no one when you wit me, I can make you put your phone down, so you can show me attention” Phone Down
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10
On Getting Over an Ex
“Never knew what a friendship was, never knew how to really love, you can’t be what I need you to, and I don’t know why I [mess] with you.” Green Eyes