A powerhouse collaboration is set to arrive this afternoon as neo-soul icon Erykah Badu and hip-hop producer The Alchemist release their new single, “Witch Doctor,” out today at 4:00 PM. The track serves as the latest glimpse into their upcoming collaborative album, “Before The World Blows,” scheduled for digital release on August 28 ahead of a physical rollout this fall.
The single marks another milestone for Erykah Badu, often hailed as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.” Since her groundbreaking 1997 debut album Baduizm—which earned multiple Grammy Awards and redefined late-90s R&B with hit singles like “On & On”—Badu has stood as one of the most visionary forces in contemporary music. Known for her eccentric style, razor-sharp lyricism, and seamless blending of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, her discography includes classic releases such as Mama’s Gun (2000) and the two-part New Amerykah series. “Before The World Blows” represents her first full-length album project since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh.
Partnering with her on the project is Alan Maman, better known as The Alchemist. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s through his association with legendary Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep, The Alchemist has established himself as one of hip-hop’s most prolific and respected producers. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, his signature gritty, sample-heavy production has crafted iconic tracks for the likes of Eminem, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, and Action Bronson. His ability to build cohesive, atmospheric soundscapes has made him a go-to collaborator for modern classics.
Following the release of the lead single “Next To You” in June 2025, “Witch Doctor” offers a deeper look into a project built on mutual reverence for hip-hop culture. By teaming up with The Alchemist, Badu leans further into the genre’s core, honoring a musical tradition she has long championed as the voice of “the tribe” and “the people.”
The full album, “Before The World Blows” (originally envisioned under the moniker Abi & Alan), drops on all digital platforms on August 28, with physical editions to follow later this autumn.