Erykah Badu Responds To Fan Criticism Over Pregnancy With Jay Electronica

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Site Last Updated: 6:57 PM EDT, August 19, 2008	Make BallerStatus Your Homepage

Published: Monday - July 14, 2008
Words by Liz "Red" Thomas

Erykah Badu and Jay Electronica (Photo: erykah-badu.com)

Shortly after news surfaced about singer Erykah Badu's new pregnancy with rapper Jay Electronica, internet fans flocked to their favorite message boards to give their opinion of the newly discovered relationship -- most were mixed.

Many commented, mostly negative, about Badu's growing number of baby's daddies -- she has one child with Andre 3000 of Outkast, and another with west coast rapper The D.O.C. Now, Jay Electronia is added to that list.

After reading some of the feedback, Badu struck back, obviously annoyed with the negative remarks of fans, via a post on OkayPlayer.com.

"How date you disrespect the queendom ... and my children and my intelligence. I've never been so disgusted in all of my life," the singer began in her rant.

Badu went on to plead her case, explaining how serious she takes being a mother. She states that she has raised two very good children, and acts as both the mother and father in most cases.

"I am a great mother and caregiver to my two children, and to this world," Badu wrote. "My children are two of the kindest and happiest people I have met ... I am their doctor and their nurse, and even sometimes their mother and their father. I am an excellent mother and resent all of the negative comments and insults on my character."

She continues her response with an explanation of her relationships with Andre and D.O.C., explaining that she didn't go into each situation lightly, before asking how having a child out of wedlock is better than marrying and then later divorcing.

"I put much time and though into having and raising my children. I've had the honors of having two home births and two wonderful partners by my side. Every relationship I have been in was because i loved the person dearly and was dedicated to us 'exclusively' for a number of years. The fathers of my children are my brothers and friends. We have a great deal of respect for one another and always will. We love out children to no end. We took our own 'vows' and continue to uphold them, and that is what that is. Question? What is marriage? Who is the judge? ... Would it 'look better' to marry and divorce and marry again?"

As far as fans' comments, Badu said they "lack experience" and "are not only careless, but also very uninformed and immature."

She did, however, admit that she may lose a few fans, but didn't care, refusing to bite her tongue.

"If I lose you as a fan because I want to continue to have children, then f*** off ... who needs you ... certainly not me ... kick rocks ... call Tyrone ... pack light ... bite me," Badu wrote.

At the end, she signs off with a big "kiss my placenta."

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COMMENTS (46)

T Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 11:55am

It's amazing how judgemental people that are NO better can be! How many people commenting have had an abortion, or take birth control pills. You all are doing the same thing, you just have ways of hiding it. She chooses to have relationships as all of us do. How many of you "holy people" are still with your first? She chooses to have sex. I dare you say you don't. And she chooses to have children. But most importantly she chooses to take care of her children. And for those who think that different fathers mean absent fathers, I suggest that you grow up and live a little. It is very possible for a man to be an excellent father without living with the child. What about children of divorced parents? Are they any less of a mother or father? Get a grip and stop being f()ckin9 hypocrites. I'm not saying it's the best way, or the worst way, I'm just saying that you all are NO ONE to be judging!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jessica Says:
Wednesday - July 30, 2008 at 4:00pm

She most def lost a fan with me. As sooo much of a "conscious" sister as she tries to make herself, she makes black women look HORRIBLE. There is NO excuse. There are plenty of men who would have loved to wife her, including Common (who was too good 4 her from jump). I am disgusted and will NEVER buy annother album from her. "Queendom"????? She needs a reality check. D.I.S.G.U.S.T.I.N.G.

joe Says:
Wednesday - July 30, 2008 at 12:30am

so what, celebs are hoes too. get over that weak shit

uhniggaplease Says:
Friday - July 25, 2008 at 4:58pm

We wouldn't criticize Erykah for having all of these kids if she was a man? Um, so we didn't criticize Bobby Brown for having 9 kids from 5 different women when Whitney's ignant ass decided to marry him?

wisdomfayall Says:
Thursday - July 24, 2008 at 5:48pm

We have to understand that Erykah is a 30-something year old, well-off woman who is raising her children to be great contributions to this world. Due to her pregnancy, she is also harmonal, and may make "snappy" comments. However, I acknowledge the fact that she is a role model and a conscious artist who many have great respect for. 3 children with 3 different fathers out of wedlock with is a disappointment because I expected more from her, but I don't look down on her. I feel that the children will be raised properly and that she will be able to provide for them. The children also are advantaged because they all know and have a relationship with their fathers. I was even disappointed in myself when I became pregnant with my first and only child because this would not have been the life that I chose for myself. Are any of us completely living life the way we envisioned it? Erykah, keep on living!

Tiffany Says:
Monday - July 21, 2008 at 5:27pm

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, true enough...But Erykah Badu is a celebrity and subject to more scrutiny than the average person. I find 3 kids with 3 men unsettling. She can use as much "spiritual union" jargon to excuse it as she'd like. I'm not any less a fan of hers. I think she is a brilliant artist, but I am disappointed. Ask yourself this, what would you tell your little sister or better yet, your own daughter?

Alaini Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 9:43pm

Erykah needs to stop making excuses and practice safe-sex. Then she won't have to complain about "being the mother and father". Her own choices have put her in that situation. I truly believe that she's a good mother with beautiful-spirited children. However, if she's as enlightened as I thought, she'd understand that it does negatively affect children when their fathers are, for the most part, absent from their lives, and when there are multiple fathers in one household. I personally think Erykah has "issues" that cause her to continually bear children with multiple men. What emptiness is she seeking to fulfill? I pray that she digs deep to find out.

Aly Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 8:35pm

Is it better for a child to grow in a home that is perfect on the surface but boiling with anger underneath or for a child to grow in a home that might be unorthadox, yet still filled with love? Also, the names we call each other such as whore and slut are far more destructive than her being a child into this world. And that's a dose of truth. Much respect to Erykah for giving life despite the the scrutiny of the masses. That, my people, is the mark of a strong woman and an even stronger mother.

Aly Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 8:34pm

Who are we to judge the personal lives of another peron? Why are we so quick to check other people, furthermore, a celebrity we don't even know on a personal level when the reality is we need to check ourselves? Haven't we all loved someone before? Haven't we all thought that maybe this was "the one"...maybe this was something real and tangible that we could hold onto? Maybe we can raise a family? I am not negating the fact that the black family's in a state of emergency. but, the American family is in a state of emergency. The definition of family as we know it is constantly being redefined in contemporary culture. trasntions. At the end of the day, I truly believe that as long as children know they are loved that is essentially what matters.

Prez Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 12:00am

I have a very mixed opinion. First of all, I think Eykah was quite disrespectful. She has to understand that she is famous and what she does will always be under scrutiny. She also has to understand that we are not questioning her ability to raise her children but when I read the headline I just wondered who's next? (like many others I guess). But after all she's grown and she decides what's best for her and her children.

Booya Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 6:45am

Excuse me I meant to say 'She can still can get touched like the rest of "them". Don't "let" the table cloths & black power mess fool ya'.

Booya Says:
Friday - July 18, 2008 at 6:42am

Black people this is why half of us don't even know our damn family. You have one child going to this family reunion another going to that one. Then you have different people claimin' different people when reality none of y'all negro's ain't really cousins. The black family is a muthafuckin' mess. Don't nobody have no real family structure anymore and thass because we think being a babymama or babydaddy is cute. Well newsflash...it ain't. Get it together people and Badu. She's just mad because she got called out. She might be an artist or have money but she can still can get touched like the rest of one. Don't the table cloths & that black power mess fool ya!!!

Ohsoluvlee Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 4:11pm

Dear Erykah, Hello I was wondering if you could donate a lovely set of twins to the cause. Boy/girl twins would be perfect. Unfortunately, I have closed up shop and my womb is closed for new baby business but since yours isnt, my only child would love a brother or sister or one of each. Since you dont need the money I shouldnt have to pay for the blessing. Thank you and your placenta in advance. TheLuvlee1

Mookie Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 9:40am

Let's put the spotlight on some of you whom seem to be quick to pass judgement and school yard name calling. First and foremost don't stand in your pulpit and call yourself saved and saintified; God is the ONLY one to judge. How many of whom are not married can say you are still a virgin at 30 or 35 years old. How many of you have ran off to have abortions; to the clinic for an STD cure; or have stayed in abusive realtionships or maintain disfunctional marriages just for the child(rens) sake? Remember it takes a village to raise and child; and the todays children are much smart and recognize when two parentsin the home are having problems. Be real single mothers have been raising children by themselves since the beginning of time. Erykah in her outwardly public life has announced 3 men of affection in her 30 something years. How many of you can say that you had less in the past month (man/woman).

Daaayum Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 9:38am

To the person below me, "Jay"...are you that simple minded boy? What does MONEY, GRAMMY AWARDS, and LEGENDARY FAME have to do with raising children? What kind of ghetto dumb sh*t was that?? And what does them being 5 years apart have to do with the fact that they DONT HAVE FATHERS TO LIVE AND GROW WITH EVERYDAY. Especially now days when you see a lot of black men struggling to learn how to be men, and the first person they blame is "my father wasnt there for me". Which is true, women can raise children, but a MAN learns to be a MAN from a MAN and when theres not one around...they look to the STREETS. Quit writting on these boards...you are making your mama look bad fool lol.

Jay Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 9:03am

People are trippin...Erykah isn't some chick off the street getting knocked up with no way to take care of her kids...SHE IS ERYKAH BADU!! A LEGEND! A GRAMMY WINNER! The woman is not hurting for money. AND THIS IS ONLY HER 3RD CHILD!! People are acting like she has a football team of kids or something...sheesh. And the kids are all spaced apart by like 5 years. Ya'll people are a trip.

CeCe Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 9:01am

Why would she sit there and say she PLANNED all three of her pregnancies and then say "SOMETIMES I HAVE TO BE THEIR MOTHER AND FATHER"? So that means she has to step up since their father(s) arent around. Well if you PLANNED to get pregnant each time, you must not have PLANNED to be MOMMY and DADDY as well. Just admit it, you got knocked up 3 times by 3 different rappers, and when they were done...they left you. So now, you have to step up to the plate and play mother/father and you are offended at how people are responding to that. My question is, since you "PLANNED" all of this, why would you purposely hand your kids the short end of the stick by PLANNING for them NOT to have fathers in their lives...on purpose? Hmmm...oh the lies Erykah.

CeCe Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 8:52am

THAT'S BULLSH*T AND SHE KNOWS IT..... A WHORE is a WHORE, no matter how you dress her! Nobody said she was having problems taking care of, nor raising her kids, but its obvious she IS having a problem keeping her legs closed. You can tell she has some serious REALITY issues because there is NO WAY a normal person would sit there and still defend 3 men that wouldnt commit to her lol. You talk about 3 different me, and having failed relationships with ALL 3 of them...you're the only common denominator in that equation! Regardless, we have all been in failed relationships, but as SMART and MATURE adults, we didnt bring 3 children into the world as proof of each failed relationship! Who's next Erykah? After this loser is done with you, will you go on to have more children out of wedlock just because you can afford them, or is there a 5 child minimum for you?

drezz Says:
Thursday - July 17, 2008 at 7:08am

a slut is a slut no matter if you can take care of your children or not, your just a freak ain't nothing normal with freaking everybody you sing or work with. It ain't cool for all them men to come see one woman with different baby daddies. and speaking on men that have different baby mama's how much sperm does a man shoot out when he get a woman pregnant??? and abundant amout, there's more women to men and temptation is rapid, many reason for a man, but a woman she don't suppose to be slopping around, and she's a slut, pamper, milk, in the middle of the night crying, shit, throw up, ear infection, rampaging, if that all right with her and entertainer three different men at the same time, well she a hell of multi-tasker or she got big checks coming but this ho is not superwoman. Just an entertainment freak like them girls on tmz. I know this young girl now that got 2 children at 21 and her dumb struggling 28 years sister tells her it's okay, two dumb ass unrealistic stiff neck sluts.

Joan Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 9:02pm

Man or woman, black; white; hispanic; native american whatever. Anyone who has multiple children from different relationships is emotionally immature. First figure out why you choose to enter into relationships without permanent committment. Second, ask yourself why you feel it's okay for your children to have no bond with the same two parents. Third and last ask yourself what void are you trying to fill, what's missing from you soul and causing you to feel so empty that having a child out of wedlock and not giving them permanancy with both parents is not a priorty for you. I agree with the person who asked if it's a badge of honor when you tell people that each of your children has a different father/mother. If you were raised to think that's a sign of intelligence then kudos to you. Unfortunatley most societies consider such a person, especially a woman, to be an easily manipulated person and a whore at best.

joan Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 8:49pm

Erica first needs to ask herself why she needs to get pregnant with every man she has a sexual relationship with. Is she collecting children like knick-knacks?. Is she not interested in her children having emotional stability with their father(s)?. Even if you're wealthy having children by multiple men still makes you look like a whore. She obviously is not intelligent. She may play a good game in her music and showmanship, but she is obviously light in the head when it comes to common sense.

stefani Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 7:42pm

I STILL LOVE U BADU...AND I LOVE THAT I LOVE U!!!NO HOMO!

FaReal Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 7:12pm

Wow! Black momma...these poor kids Syndrome at it's best. Black women are the only woman on earth who will sleep with man after man and still...well you know. Keep your legs closed. I beg my SISTA!!

frontsteps Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 6:15pm

She's an artist. Using artists to represent anything else for me, as an adult, is just plain stupid.

Criss Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 4:53pm

Having 3 children by 3 different men, I have to agree with Erykah. It has not come up in an initial conversation thus far and my oldest is about to be 19, but it's not something I hide either. Once I get to know someone they will find out and if they are judgmental and small-minded enough to have a problem with it, they aren't someone I want in my life. Props to Ms. Badu for stating her case. Boo hiss to the people with little enough tact to say anything against her. Get your own life in order and you won't have time to worry about Erykah Badu or anyone else.

STL Shorty Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 4:02pm

Crystal/You takin this quite personal-maybe you got a few baby daddy's..but peep..Let's be real about this for just a min..All the women out here with multiple baby daddy's - be honest...when your out and just talking to folks,Is that something that you reveal about yourself with honor?I don't think so - that is the last thing you all would say..oh sure you'd give a head count of your shorties.,but yaw wouldnt dare tell nobody willingly that yaw have 3n4 babies and they ALL have different fathers.It's not about being able to handle or maintain the sh*t, it's more about respecting urself, ur body and the image that ur children will have of you. Hell we all been in long lasting relationships..but we all need to be careful not to just get banged up by anybody and be careful on who you matin wit in the 1st place. The example should be COMMITTED AND LASTING RELATIONSHIPS...I think a childs life lasts a wee bit longer than a 2-3yr Puppy love. Now the love gone and the da*n puppies are left!

Aricka Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 3:48pm

this post is exactly why i love erykah... she keeps it real.. and she is absolutely right! she has every right to do whatever the heck she wants... && 3 diff. kids by 3 diff. fathers, big deal! i love erykah because of the music... reguardless of her personal life.

Mandi Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 2:37pm

How many of the back sliders that commented have multiple baby daddies and mamas? He who is without sin, cast the first stone. STOP HATIN on Erykah...you won't be taking care of her children!

DB100 Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 2:06pm

She is 100% right in everything she said As long as the kids are well looked after it's got nothing 2 do with any1.

Crystal Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:22am

I feel you msj

Crystal Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:18am

A continuation: I definitely feel you on the marriage and divorce thing. I don't see yall talking about 50,Snoop,Plies and all of the other nasty rappers disrespecting our sisters and future mothers. This message applies to everyone. I can't believe how people talk about people and don't even know them and how nasty they are and quick to call someone out of their name. If you were her or in her shoes you would say f*&% off to the fans too. Yall don't respect her but you'll buy the Diplomats album. What?! When its someone black & a woman at that yall got something to say but look at all the other people not taking care of their children yall all quiet. What goes around comes around I hope yall remember. Erykah can't wait for a new CD. Much luv, peace & blessings to you & your family

Crystal Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:18am

All of yall disrespecting Erykah are wrong. Calling her a b and just being ignorant. You are the reason "We" can't prosper & move forward because we are so caught up in someone else's business when half of yall are probably neglecting your children & who knows what else. You don't know her just respect the fact that she is a real woman & taking care of her children which is none of our business but hers & her family. People are so judgemental & as an apology to Mrs. Badu who I know doesn't care what people say about her I just want to apologize for the disrespect and ignorance people have shown you. You are a beautiful artist to me I have luved your music since "On and On" dropped. Continue to make hot music you are the epitome of a real artist. Forget these fools saying all this stupid sh.. about your family and your business/life.

msj Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:12am

I think most of the people who posted on this board have slept with at least people. Why is it that because she slept with 3 and got pregnant that makes her a wh0re. I know she's at least 30. If she was monagmous with one guy per decade is she still a wh0re? Perhaps I'm missing something but I didn't know have sex with 3 people equaled slut. If so, there are a lot of slutty people out there. I'm not suggesting she only slept with 3 guys, but people are making a lot of assumptions. I agree with Erykah in that if she got married and divorced 3 times nobody would say anything. To my knowledge, she was in a committed relationship in all cases just not legally married. -- quit using Jesus as your excuse to be a narrow minded bigot. ---

STL shorty Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:04am

Well Erykah - you got 3 kids by 3 different baby daddies. The average black woman in the same situation is considered a wh0re. Considered for the most part as being a dumping ground...so - you cant get none of these dudes to committ with you totally huh?!...Im not hatin - Im just callin it like I see it - I love your music..you the sh*t! But youz a dumping ground - p.s I have no children because I"m not married and I dont want to have to hurt no so called "baby daddy" for neglectin mine which is da*n sho what would happen!

she is Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 11:00am

ppl who really dont care about something just dont comment on it.. a rat is a rat & u have h*es W/ fro's & chickenheads W/ dreads...hooker stsus trancendes all facades ;) and then ppl would say they same ish about a non celebrity person...Queendom my a$$

popsicle Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 10:42am

How umimpressive.

Ms bringit Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 10:22am

Polyandry...lol Seriously, I always thought peoples perception of her was warped. she loves man. she wore a dreadlock weave. she high as a mofo. I think Mos Def has alot of children too...don't hear that much about it though. Hey, at least they won't be on food stamps...

chela Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 7:43am

sigh... more hate!... scroll up, what she typed applies to you too! Ms Badu can do whatever she wants. I know this Blessing on the way will be a healer and a warrior and an important contribution to society, unlike all these excuses for humanity that ive been hearing from that always have an opinion on what others do. judge not...

Ms. Texas Says:
Wednesday - July 16, 2008 at 3:03am

That bitch mind half gone talking about I am sometimes their mother and father ? Do you mean all the time their mother....Im just saying anyways who cares about Erykah hopes she fix that shit this time 3 kids 5 baby daddies WOW! She dont care about losing any fans and we damn sure dont care about her Erykah Badu who is that?

Derrick Ruiz Says:
Tuesday - July 15, 2008 at 3:14pm

I told yall this bitch was crazy when she 1st came out in 96..B4 she got into Arrested Development niggas was running thru her at Southern

mimi Says:
Tuesday - July 15, 2008 at 2:53pm

Actually I'd be just as fast to criticize her if she were a man:) Nasty is nasty no matter who's doing it. At least if you're going to get into something like that, be able to handle the fact that you're going to be look down upon. Saying it's better than divorcing is both wrong and a cop out. Then trying to justify it with I'm a good mom, good mom's don't teach their kids that laying down with every Dre, Doc, and Jay is okay, these are only the kid producing lay downs it's got to be much more to it than that and these seeds will one day be adults making the same choices.

Cake Says:
Tuesday - July 15, 2008 at 11:07am

She can do what she wants but the fans can do what they want...and if she gets a lil' sensitive about her babies, stop making it so public! I knew Jay was hitting that after She called him a "beautiful man". Gotta love the Artiste De Groupie. I thought Jay was the truth until now...I'm so straight.

Nini Says:
Tuesday - July 15, 2008 at 9:34am

What Badu does is her own business. People wouldn't be so fast to criticize her if she was a man. If she can take care of all of her seeds why not keep having them? So what if it’s with different fathers...she takes good care of them. Let her live.

drezz Says:
Tuesday - July 15, 2008 at 6:49am

Something is wrong with this sister she is a groupie/pass around whore in the rap industry she done had more rappers than candy...What upp badu..your doing too damn much...

doggyt Says:
Monday - July 14, 2008 at 5:23pm

I'd love to add my own kiddie to her collection

Doggyt Says:
Monday - July 14, 2008 at 5:21pm

Erykah as an overpopulated punani