Erykah Badu’s Heartfelt Facebook Tribute Poem To Prince Evokes Laughter And Tears

Since Prince Rogers Nelson’s death on Thursday, everyone, it seems, has a story about “the purple one,” but Erykah Badu’s tribute poem causes you to laugh and cry, again. Autopsy results have not yet been revealed, although some news reports are speculating that the icon overdosed on Percocet due to hip problems, a result of years of dance acrobatics on stage while wearing high-heeled shoes and entertaining the people. He was a giving person, a beautiful soul, and the cause of his death doesn’t diminish his legacy. No one wants to be in pain, and the mortal seeks relief so that the triune being can experience peace.

Badu revealed that “The Artist” once came all the way to a club in Dallas and accompanied her on guitar, noted Vibe. Later, he sent a picture, with a note and smiley face, referring to himself as Badu’s new rhythm guitarist.

From the many memories that have been shared by those in the music industry and others, the musical genius often helped others. If someone asked for a word of advice, he gave it to them straight and didn’t distort the truth. Badu has a lot of fond memories and opened up about them on Facebook. Apparently, she and Prince worked together, argued about religion, and also had a teacher-student relationship.

“… That time Prince was your rhythm guitarist

then sent you the picture.

The time Prince was so gracious to come to your club in the hood of South Dallas and play for 4 hours into the night…

The time you recorded “Today -the earth song”

at Paisley Park.

All the times y’all shot pool and argued over religion.

The time Prince got in your Lemo to tell you that ‘World Wide Underground ‘ wasn’t finished yet and you ‘felt a way’. Lol…”

Erykah is not known for being a wallflower and speaks her mind on multiple issues. Social justice is one of her main concerns. Apparently, on at least one occasion, Prince met Badu’s mother, who wanted him to autograph her copy of his Dirty Mind album. But Prince had experienced an evolution and refused. Erykah was embarrassed by her mother’s response.

“…The time Prince ‘evolved’ and wouldn’t sign yo mama’s ‘Dirty Mind’ album

cover cause he said he wasn’t into that no mo and yo mama told him

‘well you shouldn’t have made it then’ and you were embarrassed… ”

SingersRoom> Erykah Badu Pens Poem Of Memories About Prince – Both Erykah Badu and Prince define what it means… https://t.co/yWR9NkBhkn

— SoMetro Radio (@SoMetroRadio) April 25, 2016

Badu goes on to write about how her friend had a swear jar, and when she stepped into his presence, she had to put $20 in from the beginning — because she knew what she was going to do. The momentous change was definitely after he “evolved,” as his early songs were filled with profanity, but he spent time living, learning, and growing.

Prince also studied with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and became one after debating with musician friend and bassist Larry Graham for two years over the doctrine. Those who belong to the faith are well-known for proselytizing door to door, and the royal one, along with Graham, tried to bring Erykah into the fold, but to her, it felt more like being placed into a corner and forced to listen, per Entertainment Weekly.

Badu, like most of us, remembers the man who transcended musical genres as being there for most of her life. She recalled singing one of his late ’70s hits, “I Want to Be Your Lover,” at a third-grade talent show before she was stopped by teachers who explained it was inappropriate.

Erykah Badu’s poem reminds all who loved the multi-talented, complex man, who performed until the end, of their memories, making some laugh, others cry, and many, both. It seems that he was with Badu throughout her life, and multitudes can relate. She ended the poem with “Sometimes It Snows in April,” and it does.

[Photo by John Dingas/Flickr]