Why I Can't Listen to Erykah Badu's Latest Album

I have enjoyed listening to Erykahs music..But I have never really taken her seriously. To me she is someone who is attempting to be profound, and I honestly believe that it was the way she wanted to market herself..but now life has imitated art and she has now become who she was desperately trying to portray. Her real name is Erica and she is from Texas, hardly exotic.
Her song with the person chanting was probably moreso something that she wanted to put on her CD to make us feel 'you're not up on this'. So why would she use the dialect? That way the listener can feel that she is SO profound that she knows languages that we do not.
But I understand being offended. There are everyday things that are offensive, that some people may not even think about. The ultimate goal is to be forever conscious of what you are exposed to, and really try to process everything that you perceive and categorize it accordingly.
For example, I was watching a morning show for one of my news channels..and the topic of the day was, "Should you have Ex Sex" for the holidays. They were mostly referring to Christmas and Hannukah. We're talking about the celebration of the birth of Christ here...and they're flippantly talking of fornication to celebrate it? I was offended as a Christian and processed it as 'inappropriate'..as I'm sure a lot of Erykah's comments and music can be.

I was certain that it wasn't of God, because every time I played it, my spirit was unsettled and disturbed.

Exactly how are you certain that interlude in Mdw Ntchr wasn't "of God" if you don't know what it's saying? Because your "spirit was unsettled?"

Perhaps it's best if you stick with simple music - like Sandy Patti or pitchy praise tapes - and leave the grown-up music to the grown-ups.

Stacey, thank you for providing clarification on that. I am definitely interested in getting the translation and of course not surprised that it will be on a USB stick.

As I mentioned in the post, I do truly respect her as an artist and that includes her ability to be innovative in a mass of confusion. But the truth she is speaking is not a truth I am familiar with. I received the message she was conveying through this song differently than others might receive it and I simply wanted to share that for people who might have received it the same way I did and wondered about it; for people who have further insight into what it could be about; and for people who are willing to read it, take a step back, and think on these things.

But I am also glad to speak to those who have insight to share and do so in kindness and gentleness because we can all learn from each other.

Believe me, I listened to the album more than once, more than twice. I actually can't count how many times I listened, that's why I felt compelled to share my experience. I own her previous albums I listened to those many times before making a call. I listen to her peers too, so I am definitely not a spring chicken when it comes to Badu and her crew which is why I was so taken aback. And definitely, the album is better than all of the pop-lock-and-drop-its out on the shelves. Outside of the chanting on "Twinkle" she is addressing some extremely important issues that I as a Christian, a woman, an African American, can identify with...

I took a closer listen to the track in question before responding, and tried to do so with an open mind and spirit, and have to say that nothing crawled up in my spirit. And I'm glad about it. I think people are different in terms of what they're sensitive to and susceptible to, so I'm not discrediting your unsettled spirit, but I will say that not everyone, and certainly not all Christians have similar proclivities. So I think it's slightly presumptuous to tell people they need to be overly careful in what they listen to. I think what E. Badu has to say is important, and I think it was said best at the end of the track that, "I'm a human being...and I have value." So maybe some need to burn it, in the literal sense...but others, not so much. Just that we need to pay attention to what our spirit is telling us and act in accordance. And I commend you for doing just that.

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I am always amazed how quickly some christian people can attribute their fears of the unknown to the "holy spirit". I imagine it was disturbing simply because it was unfamiliar. Christian tradition has pretty much lost chanting as a tradition although at one time it was very standard, such as the Gregorian and other chanting styles.

Take a deep breath and try to listen to it as something new culturally and don't let your fears overtake your reason. That's one of the biggest problems of religion which we need to face. Enjoying our differences and learning about other cultures is one of the joys the Divine gives us.

"Take a deep breath and try to listen to it as something new culturally and don't let your fears overtake your reason. That's one of the biggest problems of religion which we need to face."

I think the point the author is trying to make is that she tried to listen to it and it bothered her. It doesn't sound like she was afraid. In fact, she got a second opinion. So it doesn't sound like the author was being irrational or unreasonable.

I understand the author's point about exercising discernment regarding what we listen to.

Think of it this way: if you've decided to treat your body as a temple and only eat whole and organic food, you would not eat mcdiddy's. some people like mcdiddy's. some people think it's ok to eat. someone may even encourage you to eat it because it didn't make him or her gag or immediately gain 12 lbs. BUT, that doesn't mean that mcdiddy's is good for you. And you would use discernment if, you tried it, and it didn't taste good to you or if it made you ill. In fact, you may even feel irresponsible if you didn't warn other people of the ill effects of mcdiddy's food. And I don't think anyone would accuse you of being fearful, irrational, or unreasonable for deciding not to eat mcdiddy's because you had a negative reaction to it.

here are the lyrics:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/twinkle-lyrics-erykah-badu.html

what we put into our ears/minds is just as important as what we put into our mouths/bodies. We can use discernment in both of these areas.

unnamed poster said...

==what we put into our ears/minds is just as important as what we put into our mouths/bodies. We can use discernment in both of these areas.==

I agree, but I also strongly feel that discernment should not be based on ignorance nor prejudice, which is what you are recommending. I believe true discernment is about keeping an open mind to different cultures, not being led by emotional responses and blaming that on "the spirit".

GREAT article!!! This explains my feelings perfectly.
Good Job!

After a bit of research, I found the lyrics of the particular chant you were speaking of in this article. The guy chanting goes by the name of Amen Khum Ra Sounds.

“The words of my chant on Erykah Badu’s song Twinkle: Aun Au Khu Mes Tahamu Khemu, Mesu Ntrrr Mut Tef Maatu, Apuat Khu Apuat, Smet Apu Mtu Ntrrr Anuk Kherrru. The translation is: We the brightest light, born from the deepest black, children of the Divine Mother Father, true right and exact, opening the way shining ones, open the way, listen to these Divine words I say. The second chant that fades out says: Nuk Khumiu Khu Khu, Neb Heru Djeddjedu, sekhet maat anru em Smai Tawiu. Which means: I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the All Awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds, through unifying the two Worlds. HOTEP!!!”

I hope this sheds light on what Badu is trying to portray.

As we know in life, any part of the Bible could be used to justify anything when not understanding the full text. That being said, the Word states that just because everything is permissible or legal or A right, does not make it RIGHT. I appreciate the Writer for this reason-because too many times, the ones we second-guess are the ones who our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and whom possess the Holy Spirit. Anyone, who knows me knows I love neo-soul, but everything about it isn't good-regardless of if my spirit can take it or not. Since the kettle is hot-I'd rather not get burned.

Thanks Nicole.

I really appreciate this posting..as a Christian, I agree it can be challenging to be a fan of Erykah Badu...even while I understand she is one of the most gifted soul artists of our time. Let me start by saying that I have all of her albums, and have always been a fan. I too, was too disturbed by the chant at the end of "Twinkle" to continue to listen to the track...I also cannot listen comfortably to "The Healer" as i see it as equating all the erroneous religions to Christianity, as well as stating that hip hop is bigger than Christianity. which is why I always skip it, I dont believe she is a 5 percenter as she clearly states that the mother ship cant save you on her fisrt album,... I went to see her latest concert and she described the chant as an ancient egyptian language...but did not provide the translation. Reading the above translation, i know now why i was moved to always skip it.But before we burn all her music, we must also examine our memberships in Greek letter organizations, The Masons/Eastern Star,etc. I simply skip what The Holy Spirit moves me to.
I believe that she is so "pro-black" that she carries it too far at times.

I have just seen Ms Badu perform in the UK as part of her Vortex Tour. She was as always amazing. She has always been so deep as far as her thoughts, feelings, opinions, lyrics etc. And it got me thinking about what spiritual/religious empowerment she has to be so sure of being, the makings of the earth and the process of our actions. I wonder does anyone know which religion she practices?

I too cannot listen to the end of Twinkle. As soon as I heard it I pulled my earphones out from the jack and scrambled to stop the track. I literally felt like I was being invaded. I have always had concern for the subliminal messages in music. People sometimes find it hard to believe the power of music and words but remember lucifer himself was the angel of music. What better way can evil unbeknown to you, enter your spirit, mind and soul but through music where you can be feed a message phonetically and rhythmically with ease. Think about the thousands of lyrics you know and can recite without a thought but you probably cannot remember a conversation word for word that you had yesterday or the book you read last month.

For those who can and also wish to, check out the story of how Kevin Thorton from the 90s rnb group Color Me Bad became a christian. I remember watching a dvd of a pastor (whom I forget his name) speak of how he had to "play" out the demons possessing Kevin at the time. To elaborate, after extensive praying over Kevin to be saved, it was only until the pastor's wife began to play gospel music that the demons (plural) began to stir and leave his body one by one. The last demon was the strongest and the most defiant. The message of the sermon was that these demons had the be played out (with music of God) to leave his soul because that is how they entered his soul - they were "played in".

It is hard to believe for those who wish to believe music is just music but if you reconsider for a minute that this is the truth. How many tracks are out there or in your playlist opening your spirit without you knowing.

Erykah and many other artists know and believe in messages(direct or indirect) they carry in their music. Without thinking first, do you have a choice?

If you can't be careful, at least be aware.

Further research tells me...

Kemetism is a term for neo-pagan revivals of Ancient Egyptian religion. One strand is Kemetic Wicca , an eclectic approach combining Ancient Egyptian elements with Wicca, a pagan witchcraft faith...

This song is not evil but powerful the chant is beautiful. The man who did the chant has spoken its meaning in english it means...

The words of my chant on Erykah Badu's song Twinkle: Aun Au Khu Mes Tahamu Khemu, Mesu Ntrrr Mut Tef Maatu, Apuat Khu Apuat, Smet Apu Mtu Ntrrr Anuk Kherrru. The translation is: We the brightest light, born from the deepest black, children of the Divine Mother Father, true right and exact, open the way shining ones, open the way, listen to these Divine words I say. The second chant that fades out says: Nuk Khumiu Khu Khu, Neb Heru Djeddjedu, Sekhet Maat Anru em Smai Tawiu. Which means: I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the All Awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds, through unifying the two Worlds. HOTEP NTR!!!

when i heard the ancient egyptian words i was intrigued i thought it was interesting not scarey. visit this myspace page he says he is the one on the song saying the words and he translates it http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=130161499

Thanks for the translation, this not a thing to be taken lightly. Spirituality, not religion, is a very powerful tool. Those that enter into practice without fully knowing what it is they are doing endanger both hem selves and those around them. If you don't believe me try to learn how to meditate with the aim at clearing your mind and stopping the noise, or thoughts, in your brain for an extended periods of time (meditation is a part of most religions). You will notice that your whole way of life will begin to change and things will get easier if you practice often.

Some of these comments are a bit devastating, and I really encourage you all to do some further research with an open MIND and HEART.

I think it is important for all Americans (especially Christians) to watch this video and to engage it critically. I'd love to hear your feedback on it as it pertains to my most ">recent blog about Erykah, these political times and the cycles our world goes through.

Blessings to you all.

I totally agree with the op. I am a badu fan but the journey she is on ended for me at mama's gun. I picked up the new album and my sprit cringed. It was like somebody prayed evil over it. When I heard that song i threw it away. The holy spirit will let you know when you encounter others.

Here is the wicked truth and some people need DISCERNEMENT, this woman is practicing DIVINATION and puts spells in her music(subliminal messages), she is into witchcraft and ASTRAL PROJECTION (which is part of the Ocuclt) look it up on the net, her music is Satanic and yes she is calling on gods, but it is not the God you think. Start checking out where she is geeting this stuff from? DOPE takes you alot of places if you let it . What you just heard is her “calling forth demonic beings” if you listen to the record she is doing a decree she is in a convenant with a Witches Coven. I promise to God this woman will be exposed. Her mind is already gone and she need prayer. Satan is very crafty, it is Old Schooly Witchcaft dressed in Hip Hop Clothes, if you are listening to it and you feel uncomrotable there is a reason WHY???? WAKE UP AMERYKAH

When I heard the song I had to plead the blood of Jesus, just because she is Erica Wright does not make it right. Andre left that woman for a reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will never hear her say JESUS but she will say the MOST HIGH. Everything that sound good is not good and I use to be a big fan until I began to do some research and I was very apalled, her music is not diffrent then “KISS” and Marilyn Mason”. The ring she wears is representing the OCCULT, my God somebody please know the truth. If you mad then be glad because JESUS IS STILL LORD

Crystal Balls
Divination
Astral Projection
and Dope are not good things to get into

The album was foul just like her personal life, it is confusing and it sendS out the wrong Vibe, (some)people will actually listen to her CD before they actually read the bible and they want to find out her beliefs...WHY? Someone blew the whitsle on on her occultic life before and she tries to cover it up in HIP-HOP but we ALL of us are not gullible.

Some people still do not know why she wears that ring "ankah" yeah google it and find out what it means(LOL) You'll run for your life.

Erica talks about Egyptians but they represent 'BONDAGE" can you say that with me on the count of two.

Erica practices ASTRAL PROJECTION..yeah when you sit and stare at candles and chant and then the spirit and the physical body seperate at will. It is a old coccult practice that makes my skin crawl.

OH YEAH BUT THE ALBUM WAS SO COOL... yeah right. Please start finding out what you and your kids are listening to and find out what the lyrics mean before you go defending WITCHCRAFT AND VOODOO and BLACK MAGIC.

Erykah has a large following CULT(fans) but it may take one more album before she is fully exposed and I already knew about the sumliminal messages back in 87(HATED IT). Some people are just now geting it. I'm sure her intentions were well in the beginning because Satan is crafty but thou shall not suffer a witch to live. It is New Age but it still stinks.

Eryakh STOP SENDING CURSES IN YOUR MUSIC. People are listening to the song and wondering WHY THEY CANNOT CUT IT OFF, IT IS CURSED. You do the math.

I am a athiest and I would not listen to that or let my kids listen to that and they are even banning it from some radio stations.

This is the killing part if Michael Jackson or Britney made that song people would talk about that so bad and call it crazy but because it's Erykah Badu it is cool. I was with her in te beginning when she was talking about black power and African Pride, that was real talk but somewhere she threw in some stuff that...well what can I say "wicked" for lack of a better word. I had already stopped listening to the music way before this album. I care what the chant mean and I don't wanna to know. I did not realize music had that much power and influence over our lives and it is really deep.

Makes me think about what we are watching and just soaking it up like a sponge. Makes me think of that Guy in the 70's that was so spiritual and he made all those people take that cianide.... that Jones dude and they thought he was the bomb and so great and he killed them all with mind manipulation. This lady Erykah is not stupid, that is for sure, she is getting paid, she got Yo money (LOL)...

yes pay attention to the album picture she has the egyptian cross on her head she thats the relgion she in she trying to get ppl to worship satan thru her music! If was everyone yes I would burn her music with fire and rebuke satan. God forbid she worshipping the same thing as pharoh they worshipped false gods read the book of exdous the devils not playing. ask God to forgive us for worshipping her music. God called us out of the world for a reason to serve him and not the devil. Satan a serve you notice and all of your works rite now in the name of Jesus I bind the works of the enemy! the bloods against you satan!

This woman Erykak Badu this so called Goddess as she wants to be called by the Hip Hop World is into Astral Projection or Soul Traveling, it is an old Occult practice where you meditate (yoga, new age movement) and after a few miniutes the body and the spirit seperate. The spirit if free to travel, as the physical body stays in like a trance, sleeping format and do whatever it wants in the astral plane (people of God call it the spiritual realm) This is still being practiced by Witches, Warlocks, Satanist and even teenagers today in our Western World. Sound scary, keep on reading baby!!!!

This is a forbidden practice by God, God warns us to stay away from these practices because Satan could take advantage and it may cause mental and emotional problems in individuals that practice it. It also opens them up to strong demonic power, depending on what door was opened depends on how often the practitioner (Erykah Badu) does it. It's like a bad LSD trip that won't stop, it goes on and on. Considering that she does channeling which any FOOL can hear through her music, black magic and chantings which begans to release DEMONIC POWER TO ALL LISTENERS and this is called Seducing Spirits.

Ever listen to a Erykah Badu record CD and you have no freaking idea what she is saying or talking about but something tells you to KEEP lsitening to it, then after a while the very song you hated, all of a sudden you LOVE it??? Those are subliminal messages and they are bound through demonic forces/power. In exchanged Erykah gets reconition and fame and her career gets advanced.

Once in the astral realm (you can manipulate, people throughs dreams, thoughts, wills and motives.)

This sounds exciting does it not? But believe you me there is a price to pay. The person(Erykah Badu) that does this if they want to stop, this demonic force that they allowed in through meditation becomes a slave master like a puppet on a string. Some people commit suicide, some hear voices or they even see manifestation in their waking life.

Witchcraft is REAL, I am not here to promote it but to expose it. They are teaching little kids how to do this as young as 5 and six. You can not dabble in the occult and expect not to suffer because of it. If you are mad I wrote this get a little bit more mad, guess where are of this is coming from???

YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA YOGA

Yes, it is just not breathing techniques or exercise ask Erykah Badu that. Each breathing exercise is summoning a demon(real demons)People before you do something you need to check out WHERE it came from, who is speaking into YOUR life, words have powers yes they do. If there is something on a CD and you do not know the meaning then you need to FIND out what it means. If you are a praticing YOGA then I advise you to stop.

All of this falls under the Occult which means (HIDDEN) that is what that word means. Now if someone is a witch do you really think they are going to come out and tell you? Why not when they can have fun with you for a while.

I hope somebody got free.

Thank you..-refering to the comment above-

The song is talk to you blog poster.
It's so true, the Twinkle is written about YOU! This song is to YOU!
I know this is a hard pill to swallow, but the fact that the chant made you uncomfortable is a sign of how far away from yourself you truely are. It lets you know how truely oblivious you are to yourself "They dont know their language...they dont know their gods...they take what is given...even when it feels odd"
Do you realize what she is saying black woman?
Christianity was given to you my love. Jesus is very real. He came down to warn us of our wrong doing...but christianity my dear, is a fluke. A complete scam. What you've been taught all these years is a lie. Then the minute you a hear a voice thats speaking about you (the chant), and refering to you black woman, you're so far away from your true self, that the truth about you scares you. Do you realize what I'm saying right now? Everything was stripped of us on our journey here as slaves..including our RELIGION! Do you honestly think that if God wanted you to follow Jesus, he'd have our ancestors be beaten, raped, and enslaves for us to follow? Do you really think that OUR God...OUR God..is that wicked?
Reiligion is a very touchy subject, but you should really ask yourself why you believe what you believe and why your ancestors believe it.
Christianity I'm sorry to say, was created to keep us down, was made to continue to have us follow what the authorities (preachers, pastors, popes) say, it was created to rule the world. Please sweetheart, I BEG OF YOU please find out the real reason why christianity was created. The bible, is very real, jesus is very real, but we have been taught about the bible, and taught about jesus all wrong. You see what I'm saying? If Jesus was still alive he'd be appauled at Christianity and what it's taught us. And thats part of what that song is saying. That chant in the song is exactly what people made to bring black down...dont want us to know, it's what black people originally were, and what WE are meant to be..but no longer are because of the people who conquered and controlled us...even before slavery.

I know that is a really hard pill to swallow, and you probably dont want to read what I'm saying, but you can't run away from yourself forever. I was born and raised christian all my life, but my spirit literally kept drawing me closer and closer to something else. The "finding myself" stage...and the more and more I found myself, the more I realized that christianity wasnt my true self, it isnt any black persons true self. Again, Jesus is very real, his message is very real, the bible is very real, but the religion christianity was created to keep us down. Please listen to that song again. She's talking about us, Erykah isnt crazy, she isnt a devil worshiper, she knows her true self, and the minute you know your true self, you'll love her that much more.

A book called "From Niggas to God's" pt 1 & 2 will be one of the best books you have ever read. No it's not an anti christianity book at all. It's made to let you realize how great you are. It's not full of big words and philosophy's that you wont understand. It's written clearly and broken down precisely so that you understand. Please I beg of you, if you want to know what God & Jesus is really trying to tell us, read that book.

I apologize if some parts you cant understand, I didnt spell check.
But please, get that book, it will truely change your life, you spirit will never feel so at home.

I'm glad someone blew the whitsle on Erykah Badu, people like Jill Scott, and India Arie are really doing the Neo Soul thing not New Age and believe you me there is diffrence,some people go to far with the African Art thing. I am a black woman and I love being black but stop over doing it. It sucks.

Music should follow your life, don't be talking about being a queen on wax or CD and every time we see you, your with a diffrent man. That is not being a queen, I can't even get to the withcraft and occult because I am still tripping on that. Fah real.

I'm not going to follow or listen to someone who potrays to be one way on a CD but in real life they are without caution. GET REAL AMERYKAH!!!!!!.

Lil Kim is who she is on CD and in real life(which is really not good but still), if you gone be out there like that just DO IT damn. Stop it with the FAKE WIG, the FAKE DREDS and the FAKE LIFESTYLE. What you do in the dark will come into the light and some people are so pissed off because Erykah Badu is not who they thought she was. We all have faults, no one is perfect but when you portray yourself to be what you really ain't then I got a problem with that. She ain't the first to have three kids out of wedlock and she won't be the last

That is what happens when we put people on a pedstal and when they fall we wonder what happened. I'm not a christian but at least they got enough sense to see when something is WRONG. Stop half as doing shyt, if you gone be a pagan then be one to the fullest and stop show boating yo azz

You who have not really investigated this matter on your own and only going by hear say should leave their guessed and assumed views to them selves always research things for you self and lets not get to high on our passed down tradions our cultures because that is exactly what they are and people fear the unknow, things are not always what the seem, I am also knowing that the most high is the, the only, the most highest that there is. I also believe in truth, being an me, growing my hair as it flows to the 9, eating on what is natural, helping people weaker that I, treating people as I would want to be treated, this life is only temperary, using my gifts to serve my creator, focusing on what I know what i know in naturally wrong ang right, living rightously, I can nothing but I to know god...Remember ,....I am sure your "RELIGION" teaches you anly god can judge.

wow. someone just refered to the term "positive energy" as a bad thing? umm that person sounds like a devil/witch themselves. wow who does that? and to the silly person saying they see erykah with a different man, what photos r u seeing? bcos I always see her by herself. even still she doesn't live by the law of a corrupt governent! marriage is just a piece of paper letting the government know about ur love and financial status. it has nothing to do wit true love. besides haven't u hear u have to kiss a few frogs to find ur prince? are u still with your first girlfriend or boyfriend from kindergarden? that's silly u even mentioned that, I would heed any advice coming from some1 that says things like that lol. also if u research a thing called twin flame which badu may know of u will see that she is living life as correct as the next Queen. we each have MANY soulmates but only ONE twin flame and sometimes we find them in this life sometimes we dont but how will we know unless we date people? duh! lol also anything foreign can set a weird vibe in oneself it's just bcos it's just that, foreign! it's not true unsettlement. just like some ppl from NY move to LA and they r not happy at first or vice versa but when they stay longer and learn about that city they see it Is not bad an never was! just foreign. so learn ur language and understand THEN u can decide if the dialect is bad or not.unfortunately we live in a land where we cannot trust our instinct becoz even that has been taken over. when we see "nappy" hair it is unpleasing to the eye and makes us feel uneasy and say "girl straiten ur edges!" etc which is sad bcos natural hair is who we r and we cannot be settle with our own selves and culture. so go out and educate and gain ur soul back! sankofa :)

I love this album, this is a rude awakening for all those who are unconscious, Erykah's music has always been consciouss with messages that will awaken your spirit and make those aware who are not. This proves that the truth hurts and enslavement of the mind is the worst kind of enslavement. People need to break those chains of the mind and free themselves we as a nation has been enslaved for too long and I consider erykah one of the revolutionaries, we had many that have come and went who have given us a message to take heed too. I do believe that the way in which we have been taught religion has been corrupted from the time of slavery and unfortunately we were taught by our parents who have too been taught in a form of slavery. The song Twinkle from erykah badu, at the end recites a very powerful message in Kemetic language and you can get the tranlation by googling or you tube, I have the translation, but I cannot remember all of it, but it is basically telling black people who they are, and how great they are it is nothing demonic or offensive. You see we our minds our subconscioussly trained to think in fear, you cannot expand in fear, the western world has trained us to not want change but to stay in chains and forever be lost. People liberate yourselves,and your children please!.......Peace and Light!

Whaaat? You stopped playing Twinkle because you felt fear??? And you allowed fear to make the decision for you? Listening to previous albums tells you Badu would use Kemetic. You should be thankful that an artist brings an ancient African language to your ears when previously, "as a Christian," you were denied that. The opening lyrics to Twinkle: "they don't know their language/they don't know their god/they take what they're given even when it feels odd."

Our "spirituality," neo- or not, is bigger than religion. Just like God is bigger than Judeo-Christianity vs. Islam, Hip Hop is bigger than divisive titles.

THANK YOU, Enigmatic, for the translation! :)

This is the translation....

You can go to this mans page from Erykah's myspace page his name is Ra sounds.... What this man is saying is actually inspirational to me anyways... Don't prejudge it makes you look wack...

Erykah Badu's song Twinkle: Aun Au Khu Mes Tahamu Khemu, Mesu Ntrrr Mut Tef Maatu, Apuat Khu Apuat, Smet Apu Mtu Ntrrr Anuk Kherrru. The translation is: We the brightest light, born from the deepest black, children of the Divine Mother Father, true right and exact, open the way shining ones, open the way, listen to these Divine words I say. The second chant that fades out says: Nuk Khumiu Khu Khu, Neb Heru Djeddjedu, Sekhet Maat Anru em Smai Tawiu. Which means: I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the All Awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds, through unifying the two Worlds. HOTEP NTR

I tried to listen to the song Twinkle and understood exactly what you were saying. I was only able to listen to a few secounds. My spirit just like yours would not allow me to listen to anymore. I myself have never heard chants like that before. I have just about every CD Ms. Badu has put out but i'm not sure if I will puchase this one. Thanks for the article.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Erykah Badu is an avid 5 percenter that believes that the black man is God and Jesus Christ is not the son of God but he is the “white” man’s God?

Erykah Badu even hides the lyrics of her beliefs in her songs and they fill your spirit with the doctrine of a false god religion.
Erykah Badu promotes sex outside of marriage, weed smoking, having children out of wedlock and severe profanity! She is against Christ and thus, you should be against her!

Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Erykah Badu says: If we recognize that GOD is in all of us, then we can start to treat ourselves and our brothers and sisters with respect.

We are quick to spot the devil in us, why not the DIVINE?

Because she believes that we are the gods, she believes we are divine deity. This is antichrist!

1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits
whether they are of God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world.

I originally heard this album and fell in love with Erykah all over again. The song, Twinkle, happens to indeed be one of my favorites. After the song played out and it got to this chant I knew I had to look it up. First off, I was not startled, turned off, or weirded out by it in any way. I knew that if Erykah put it in the song it had a purpose, maybe one of a spiritual nature, but nothing harmful or demonic by any means. I love the sequence. The reason I even found this page is because I decided to look it up and see if it was something playing backwards or some old language. Like someone said before the chant is done by Amen Khum Ra, a quite clearly harmful and well meaning man.

That being said, I think this whole article is a vast display of sheer and utter ignorance. Just because some apparent “spirit curled up inside of [you]” you wrote off not only this song, but her whole album. In fact, you went and assumed it was possibly of “African Bushmen” but never actually found out where the language came from, or who said it. You blatantly recognized that you “can’t be sure of what language it was or the intention behind it” yet declared that is was “leading of the spirit.” How on earth can you write it off as spirit-leading if you know neither the language nor the intention?!

Furthermore, the reason that Badu didn’t “provide an explanation in the liner notes” is simple—because she did not want to. She’s not entitled to provide anything to you, she will give you what she wants to give you.

Now, the chant itself, as translated before, is actually quite enlightening. The language is Kemetic and not demonic at all—simply ancient Egyptian. The man doing the lines, Amen Khum Ra, as cited on myspace (www.myspace.com/amenkhumrasounds) is actually a peaceful man, with a video of him on stage with Badu and happy smiling pictures to boot. I believe this display of crass finger-pointing is a bit of an insult to those who consider themselves akin to this community of Egyptian descendants, and those who appreciate language. How would you feel if someone told your language made a “spirit curl up” inside of them, begging you to stop?

Lastly, I suggest you take it down a notch, maybe get something to help you with that paranoia, because clearly no one was trying to “harm the people of God.”

If you go to myspace.com/amenkhumrasounds you might find the translation given by the artist himself. I'm pretty sure it is an ancient Egyptian language, and may very well be taken straight from ancient glyphs. It may not be christianity, but it does seem to pay homage to the Most High.

Wow! Are you serious? How can you be an avid Erykah Badu Fan and just give up on her because of something YOU didn't understand. This is what THEY mean by the 85 percent. (ignorance will allow a spirit to overcome you and cause confusion) Now take the time out to research and believe in YOU!

Maybe you picked up on the real intention, regardless of the face value message. All i can tell you is, always follow your own instinct, if it doesn't feel right to you, it doesn't. Don't worry about what other people say.

I believe Badu's intent was to invoke a spirit of curiosity and a thirst of knowledge for what the unknown words really meant. At first I was lost as well, but I listened to see if it sounded like a dialect I was familiar with. It's Kemetian. I initially thought she wanted us to be like the 'scientists' mentioned in The Healer and search for the underlying message of the chant, so I did and this is what it means:

"We the brightest light,born from the deepest black, children of the divine mother father, true right and exact, open the way, shining ones, open the way, listen to these divine words I say. I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the all awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds, through unifying the two worlds."

So you see, it isn't menacing or 'dark' at all. It is filled with light which is something Erykah incessantly promotes. Before you decide that it is not of God, know first what the message is... Besides, all things are of God, you probably just weren't 'woke' as Miss Badu mentioned, to know that.

P.E.A.C.E.

I feel you on this article. I never understood where Badu stood religion wise, but I enjoyed her music. I was excited about her new album because I thought it would be a breath of fresh air to Hip-Hop but when I heard the opening I lost all desire to even buy the album. I also find it sad that someone would tell you that you are being silly about your spirit not being comfortable with the music. It obviously wasn't just the words that stopped you from listening to the music it was the Holy Spirit. People of the world would not understand this because they are seeing it from the view point of the world. 1 John 4:4-6 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood." Now, of course someone reading my comment will think I'm judging them, I'm not, just revealing the truth. Please don't let people keep you from your relationship with the Lord. If the Holy Spirit wanted you to stear clear of it then there is a reason why. It may sound judgemental but those who don't know God will think from the viewpoint of the world.

I agree with the first post. I have to say I was shocked at a lot of what she was saying. She was talking about how she used to pray to God, but has since learned that was all a lie. Then, she just kept going on about hip hop being greater than all, greater than any God or religion, greater than the government. I sat thru 2 1/2 songs and walked out. She has serious anger issues towards God. And, she lets you know it. I felt extremely uncomfortable listening to her. It really bothered me to realize that the 20,000 or more that were listening were cheering her opinions on. All it takes is one person to mess someone up. She has the potential to seriously confuse a lot of people. I walked away praying for her, that God can show her His love and forgiveness!

While it may seem odd to your ears, don't fear it because it is foreign to you. It is ancient Kemetic language. And it is beautiful. Hearing the language of the people of the oldest civilization known to man should make you feel closer to God. It's crazy how all things African, we associate with evil, devilish, primitive and it frightens and unsettles us. Know you history!

Here is the translation:

The artist saying those words is Amen Khum Ra. Here is his myspace: MySpace.com - Amen Khum Ra Sounds Appearing on Twinkle with Badu - WASHINGTON, Washington DC - Healing & EasyListening - www.myspace.com/amenkhumrasounds

Here is the whole text and the translation of what is being said by Amen Khum Ra on the song "Twinkle":

"The words of my chant on Erykah Badu's song Twinkle: Aun Au Khu Mes Tahamu Khemu, Mesu Ntrrr Mut Tef Maatu, Apuat Khu Apuat, Smet Apu Mtu Ntrrr Anuk Kherrru. The translation is: We the brightest light, born from the deepest black, children of the Divine Mother Father, true right and exact, open the way shining ones, open the way, listen to these Divine words I say. The second chant that fades out says: Nuk Khumiu Khu Khu, Neb Heru Djeddjedu, Sekhet Maat Anru em Smai Tawiu. Which means: I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the All Awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds, through unifying the two Worlds."