Live is a live concert album by American singer Erykah Badu, released in 1997. Released in the fall of 1997, with her debut album Baduizm released earlier that year, Live quickly went double platinum with the radio hit "Tyrone".
After she signed to Universal Records, Badu released her debut studio album Baduizm, in early 1997. The album was met with critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard charts and number one on the US BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[1][2]Baduizm's commercial and critical success helped establish Badu as one of the emerging neo soul genre's leading artists.[3] Her particular style of singing drew many comparisons to Billie Holiday.[4]Baduizm was certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, Gold by the British Phonographic Industry and the Canadian Recording Industry Association.
[5][6][7]
Badu recorded the live album while pregnant with son Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with his birth.[8]
Upon release Live was met with acclaim from music critics.
Leo Stanley of Allmusic praised Badu's decision to release a live album so shortly after releasing her debut. "Not only does it illustrate the depths of Badu's talents, but Live is as strong and captivating as Baduizm, Stanley wrote.[12] A reviewer of Entertainment Weekly praised the album's jazz influenced sounds, calling the album "sassy" and "relaxed".[9]
The album was released on November 18, 1997, and reached number four on the US Billboard 200[13]
and number one on the US BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[14][15] The album was certified two times platinum by RIAA for shipments of over two million copies.[5]
Track listing
"Rimshot (Intro)" (Erykah Badu, Madukwu Chinwah, Miles Davis) – 3:48
"Otherside of the Game" (Badu, Bro.Questlove, Richard Nichols, James Poyser, The Roots) – 8:21