Soulful Reunion: “Next to You” Lands After 15 Years
Erykah Badu and The Alchemist drop their first joint track, “Next to You,” marking Badu’s first studio album since New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh (2010) and the But You Caint Use My Phone mixtape (2015). Produced entirely by The Alchemist, the song is an enticing teaser. Abi & Alan: A New Chapter
The track is widely believed to be the lead single from Abi & Alan, a full-length album produced by The Alchemist and set for release on Badu’s own Control FREAQ Records this summer. Billboard confirmed Badu’s focus on this project during a March interview.
Tour Dates Hit Japan (and Homecoming)
Dubbed “The Abi & Alan Japan Tour,” Badu and Alchemist will perform in Osaka (June 24), Tokyo (June 28), and Yokohama (June 30). Badu then returns stateside for the Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 5.
Behind the Sound: Why It Matters
“Next to You” merges The Alchemist’s trademark hazy, jazz-infused beats with Badu’s smooth vocals and poetic lyricism. It also signals her first fully self-produced album in 15 years. Fans will recall the era-defining neo-soul of Baduizm (1997), with groovy hits like “On & On” and “Next Lifetime”—the latter earning classic status through its jazz-rap fusion and philosophical lyricism.
The Alchemist’s Recent Collaborations & Singles
The Alchemist has remained one of hip-hop’s most versatile producers, with a catalog that balances mood, grit, and experimentation:
- “Meet The Grahams” – A Kendrick Lamar diss track, where chilling piano and echoing drums bolster the tension of Kendrick’s lyrics
- “E. Coli” (feat. Earl Sweatshirt) – A minimalist, off-kilter beat that complements Earl’s dense, introspective flow
- “Allah Sent Me” (Westside Gunn) – Cinematic, menacing sample-based beat that suits Gunn’s gritty style
- “Silver Lining with ScHoolboy Q” – The lead single from The Genuine Articulate (Sept 2024), which includes features from Action Bronson, Conway, Havoc, and more. The project earned critical acclaim for showcasing Alchemist’s signature textures and tight beats.
