Writer: Melissa Ramus
Photographer: Rashad Griffin Sr.
SAN DIEGO, CA — Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and neo-soul pioneer Erykah Badu returned to San Diego on Saturday, September 26, 2026, bringing her distinctive sound to the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at San Diego State University. Joined by rapper Smino and acclaimed producer The Alchemist, Badu delivered a concert that connected generations of R&B and hip-hop through music, creativity, and artistic expression.The performance was part of Badu and The Alchemist’s Before the World Blows collaborative tour, bringing together artists whose musical styles represent different approaches to contemporary Black music. The evening highlighted the connection between traditional soul influences, experimental production, and modern hip-hop.
Rapper Smino opened the evening, introducing the audience to his signature combination of melodic rap, unconventional rhythms, and contemporary R&B influences. Known for his distinctive vocal delivery and creative songwriting, the St. Louis artist brought a different musical perspective to the lineup.His performance included fan favorites such as “Wild Irish Roses” and “Anita,” giving the audience an opportunity to experience his genre-blending approach before the headlining performance. His ability to move between rapping and singing demonstrated why he has developed a following among listeners seeking something beyond traditional hip-hop.Smino’s appearance also represented the evolving relationship between neo-soul and modern rap, two genres that continue to influence one another.
For nearly three decades, Erykah Badu has remained one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary R&B. Since the release of her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm in 1997, she has helped shape the neo-soul movement with music that combines jazz, funk, hip-hop, and traditional soul.Songs such as “On & On,” “Tyrone,” “Didn’t Cha Know?” and “Bag Lady” have become essential recordings in her catalog, introducing her work to multiple generations of listeners.
Badu’s appeal extends beyond her recordings. Her creative independence, fashion, musical experimentation, and willingness to challenge industry expectations have made her an influential figure in modern music.Her San Diego appearance provided another opportunity to recognize that legacy while highlighting her continued interest in collaborating with artists from different musical backgrounds.
One of the evening’s defining elements was Badu’s collaboration with The Alchemist, a producer whose work has helped shape underground and mainstream hip-hop for decades.His production introduced a different musical foundation for Badu’s vocals, incorporating layered instrumentals, unconventional arrangements, and experimental sounds.The performance featured newer material, including “Witch Doctor” and “To The Moon,” alongside established favorites such as “On & On” and “Didn’t Cha Know.” The combination demonstrated Badu’s ability to introduce new creative directions without abandoning the music that established her career. Rather than relying entirely on nostalgia, the collaboration offered listeners a look at how an established artist can continue developing her sound while maintaining a recognizable musical identity.
The concert also incorporated a distinctive stage presentation. Badu performed with her band positioned behind her, while The Alchemist and additional producers occupied an elevated section of the stage.Changing visuals accompanied the music, adding another dimension to the performance and emphasizing the experimental nature of the collaboration.Badu’s vocal delivery remained central to the production. Her ability to move between singing, spoken passages, and rhythmic phrasing reflected the versatility that has defined her recordings and live performances.The arrangement allowed the audience to experience both the familiar elements of her music and the newer sounds developed through her partnership with The Alchemist.
Badu’s September 26 appearance demonstrated the lasting influence of an artist who helped redefine R&B in the late 1990s and continues to contribute to its development.The inclusion of Smino and The Alchemist created a lineup connecting different generations of performers, producers, and musical influences.For San Diego music fans, the evening offered more than a presentation of familiar songs. It provided an opportunity to experience an artist whose career continues to move beyond conventional expectations.Nearly 30 years after the release of Baduizm, Erykah Badu remains an important voice in contemporary music. Her performance at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre reinforced that her artistic legacy is not limited to past achievements but continues through new collaborations, evolving sounds, and live performances.
