Erykah Badu, the enigmatic queen of neo-soul, has captivated audiences not only with her groundbreaking music but also with her distinctive approach to life and love. Known for her profound lyrics and unique artistry, Badu's romantic journey has often intertwined with her creative path, leading to several high-profile relationships with notable figures in the music industry. Her relationships have frequently been subjects of public fascination, revealing a pattern of deep connections and a commitment to co-parenting with respect and harmony.
One of Badu's most significant early relationships was with André 3000 of OutKast, which began around 1995. Their artistic and personal connection blossomed, leading to the birth of their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, in 1997. The couple's relationship, though relatively brief, was deeply influential, with André 3000 famously addressing their dynamic in OutKast's hit song "Ms. Jackson." Despite their separation in 1999, Badu and André have maintained a remarkably amicable co-parenting relationship, often speaking highly of each other and demonstrating a strong bond as friends and parents.
Following her relationship with André 3000, Badu entered a romance with rapper Common, dating from 2000 to 2002. Their connection was both personal and professional, resulting in musical collaborations such as "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)." Common has openly described Badu as his "first love," reflecting on the profound impact she had on him. > "When we split...I was in a haze, just going through the motions. It was hard to eat. It wasn’t her fault, the relationship just didn’t go forward," Common shared, highlighting the deep emotional resonance of their time together.
In 2003, Badu had a brief but impactful relationship with rapper The D.O.C. This short-lived romance resulted in the birth of her daughter, Puma Curry. Like her co-parenting arrangement with André 3000, Badu and The D.O.C. have maintained a respectful relationship focused on raising their daughter. Badu has consistently prioritized healthy co-parenting dynamics across all her family units.
From 2005 to 2009, Erykah Badu was in a significant relationship with rapper Jay Electronica, marking one of her longest public romances. Their union brought another child into Badu's life, her daughter Mars Merkaba Thedford, born in 2009. This relationship was closely followed by fans, given both artists' influential positions in the music world. Their connection, while ultimately ending, contributed to Badu's expanding family and continued her tradition of strong, independent motherhood.
More recently, Badu was linked to producer and voice actor Carl Jones, with their relationship reportedly beginning around 2016 after they worked together on the animated series Black Dynamite. While details of their relationship were more private, it was a recognized connection in her dating history. Public reports from 2024 suggest that Badu may currently be single, or at least not in a publicly confirmed long-term relationship, indicating the Carl Jones relationship may have concluded.
In late 2021, reports surfaced about Badu dating artist and author JaRon Adkison, also known as Jaron the Secret. Adkison, who is significantly younger than Badu, was referred to as her "new boyfriend," and there were unconfirmed rumors of an engagement. Badu shared images of them together on social media, including posts in an Instagram category labeled "Soulmates." However, an official confirmation of an engagement or marriage never materialized, and her current relationship status remains largely private or unconfirmed by her directly. In March 2023, Badu notably tweeted, > "I will not settle for anything less but my KING. Where are you ?", which some interpreted as a sign of her single status and continued search for a profound connection.
Erykah Badu's romantic history reflects her unique and independent spirit. She has often spoken philosophically about love and relationships, once humorously referring to her "5 boyfriends" as the natural hormones dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, cortisol, progesterone, and adrenaline, emphasizing her internal sources of happiness. Her relationships, while often high-profile, have consistently highlighted her dedication to family and her ability to maintain respectful, cooperative bonds with her children's fathers, shaping a narrative of love that transcends conventional expectations and public scrutiny.