Release Date: June 20, 2025
Label: Control Freaq / EMPIRE
First Impressions
“Next To You” marks a long‑awaited reunion as Erykah Badu and The Alchemist join creative forces for the first time. Badu’s signature neo-soul vocals float effortlessly over Alchemist’s hypnotic, Mobb Deep-sampling beat—crafting a dreamy blend of soul, hip-hop, and trip-hop.
Production & Sound
Beat & Bassline
Alchemist resurrects a loop from Mobb Deep’s “The Realest,” layering it under a woozy, bass-forward groove that feels both familiar and fresh. It gives the track a haunting yet cozy ambience.
Badu’s Vocals
Badu’s voice is as ethereal as ever—laid-back, intimate, and commanding attention without effort. Lyrics like “I wanna smoke blunts with you / I wanna get drunk with you” capture a candid and personal mood.
Production Collaboration
According to Hypebeast, the track was born from a fluid creative dynamic—Alchemist tossed the beat, Badu responded with the melody, and together they crafted the final emotional texture.
Context & Significance
This release is historic for several reasons:
It’s Badu’s first original single in over five years and an official lead into her first full album since 2010’s New Amerykah Pt. 2—a project long overdue and highly anticipated.
The single precedes the duo’s new collaborative album, tentatively titled Abi & Alan, which will mark Badu's debut on her independent imprint, Control Freaq Records.
Reception
Critics have greeted “Next To You” with enthusiasm:
Pitchfork calls it a standout preview of their Japan tour and upcoming album.
Hypebeast describes it as “dream-team” material.
Rated R&B highlights the Mobb Deep sample and praises Badu’s vocal intimacy.
Fans online are already reacting across hip‑hop and soul communities, sparking discussion (and a bit of debate over the AI-generated art and visualizer).
What It Means for Fans
A true throwback: A return to the lush, genre-blending essence that defined her early catalog.
Emotional authenticity: Badu’s trademark openness takes center stage—about love, connection, and vulnerability.
Building anticipation: This nod from critics and fans sets high expectations for Abi & Alan and their upcoming tour.
Speaking of which, they're kicking it off in Japan—Osaka, Tokyo, Yokohama at the end of June—before hitting North America in August.
Final Thoughts
“Next To You” is a sublime reintroduction to Erykah Badu’s musical world—floating, soulful, and grounded in hip‑hop tradition. With The Alchemist behind the boards, it’s both a fresh chapter and a love letter to what made her iconic. This is the kind of track you’ll revisit late at night, headphones on, letting the strings and bass resonate with every line.
If this single is any barometer, Abi & Alan is shaping up to be one of 2025’s standout albums—an essential pick for fans of lush, soulful, and thoughtful music.
Listen Now
Check out the visualizer below, stream it on your favorite platform, and stay tuned for more from this dynamic duo.
