Erykah Badu and yasiin bey – two of hip-hop’s preeminent poets – stopped by the United Center on July 1 for a performance that was celebratory and inspirational. While Chicagoans with the need for speed were lined-up around Grant Park for the NASCAR Street Race, those in search of peace and love found philosophical fulfillment in what Badu has dubbed the Unfollow Me Tour.
“Welcome to Unfollow Me. My name is Erykah Badu,” said the otherworldly talent near the top of her headlining set before laying out all of her various nicknames and aliases to the cheering crowd. “We only have one rule on Unfollow Me and that one rule is, mind your business. We’re gonna get along fine. All I need you to do is open your mind.”
Prior to Badu stepping on stage, fans’ minds were already expanded by her incredible band. The rhythmically-inclined musicians, and a trio of singers known as the Baduists – LaLa Johnson, Terron Austin and Durand Bernarr – performed a regal rendition of “The Healer” before trading solos, and dabbling in some Dead-esque “Drums and Space” jams for upwards of 15 minutes. You could feel the anticipation building, almost to the point of bursting, when Badu emerged, looking “20 Feet Tall,” as if she had just been beamed down by the holy mothership.
The setlist – including favorites like “On & On,” “…& On,” “Appletree” and “No Love” – did not disappoint but it was the skill at which Badu melded her versatile voice into the tightest corners of emotion that was truly transfixing. Whether screaming, purring, crooning, or dropping wisdom via spoken word, the complex tones of each vocal phrase told a beautiful sonic story.
All night long Badu enjoyed chatting with the crowd. After taking a roll call to see who she was dealing with on that night, she explained that she created her 1997 album Baduizm – which she wrote when pregnant with her son – for all the nineties babies out there.
“They didn’t understand me at all until you all got here and I appreciate it,” she said leading into “I Been Goin’ Thru It All.”
Elsewhere Badu had everyone dancing with her take on Faith, Hope & Charity’s “To Each his Own” as well as during a funky interlude, complete with a snippet of “The Message,” in “Love of My Life.”
yasiin bey also shared his own “Ode to Hip Hop” and the Grandmaster Flash hit with a sample during “Close Edge” in his opening set. “Hip Hop” and “Ms. Fat Booty” got fans on their feet while the rapper shared a tender tribute to his “beloved mother” with “Kijani.” “Umi Says” stood out in the set as yasiin bey’s impeccable timing – expertly navigating the vocal tight rope of almost, but not quite competing with the musical track to create an absolutely enrapturing listening experience – was surprising and full of excitement with each passing word.
“No matter what happens. No matter who you encounter. As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons without surrender. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Be kind, but don’t take shit from nobody,” yasiin bey said before describing a disappointing experience with a so-called “fan.” “No matter how kind you are. No matter how considerate you are, they’re always trying to throw you off your square, but never let them do that. And if push comes to shove, you gotta let them know, you think you want it… until you get it.”
This may be the Unfollow Me Tour, but Erykah Badu and yasiin bey are two artists who fans have stuck with since the nineties. Whether it’s for the music, the message, or their ability to spiritually transport listeners to a place of higher love, these leaders will continue to inspire followers for decades to come.
The Unfollow Me Tour, produced by Outback Presents, will continue through July 23. Click here to pick-up tickets to future dates and more information about upcoming events at the United Center can be found at Unitedcenter.com.