Album review: Erykah Badu and The Alchemist released anticipated record Before The World Blows
On Friday, August 28th, Erykah Badu and The Alchemist released their long anticipated collaborative album, Before The World Blows. The pair released a single song, “Witch Doctor” with little information about the forthcoming record. After much secrecy and surprise, the iconic artists released the 16-song tracklist and album title just days prior to the release of the LP.
Fans were teased with hints of the album since early 2025, and after a year of misleading internet rumors and—what might have been—delays building up anticipation, the album has finally dropped.
Last year, “Next To You” was released as the ultimate teaser, utilizing a beat The Alchemist had produced for Queens legendary Hip Hop duo, Mobb Deep with “The Realest” (1999). The combination of grit and soul on the number has now proven to be the perfect preview for this project.
“Crossfade” is a standout number on the album, emoting empowering vibes that cut through the angst and tension emitting from the track’s instrumentation. The album’s culminating track, “Black Box,” articulates the intellectual, social, and emotional confinement brought on through modern technology, specifically, the endemic reliance on smartphones.
In addition to the excitement of the pairing between two maestros of their craft, was the anticipation of some top-tier guest appearances, also fueled by web-world rumor mills. With Buffalo Hip Hop representative, Westside Gunn appearing on “I Just Want A Part” and “No I.D.” and guest spots from Earl Sweatshirt, DRAM, Thudercat, Steve Lacy, and more. The guest list of featured artists exceeded the expectations of most fans. But what’s most impressive is how seamlessly those features mesh into the atmospherical mist of the project.
A few weeks prior to the LP’s release, a second single, “Witch Doctor” debuted. It was another ideal preview into what the record would deliver. The tone driving Before The World Blows is consistent throughout, establishing a hazy atmosphere from the opening track, “Echos.”
The album incorporates a distinctive, chopped-up chant from Badu, echoing throughout multiple tracks, tying the entire project together expertly as if it were one continuous composition.
The LP has a laid-back soulful sound, but drives on heavy themes. The album is propelled by new-world tension. Before The World Blows is gritty, expressive, and despite its complexity, feels effortless. We can all hope that The Alchemist and Erykah Badu team up for many collaborations in the future.
Erykah Badu has U.S. tour dates beginning September 10 at Ravinia Festival in Illinois through September 29 when her crew stops in Los Angeles to play the Hollywood Bowl before regrouping for a European run in October. Grab tickets for all shows at Erykah Badu’s website.
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