Cousinz Fest took over Norfolk, Virginia, last month, featuring the Queen, Erykah Badu, as the headliner alongside hip-hop legend Jermaine Dupri. The lineup also included Larry June Lion Babe, & Richmond’s own Arts of Noise RVA, all hosted by the charismatic Chico Bean.
Photographer Breon Corbett was on hand.
For those that don’t know. Born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, Badu has left an indelible mark on music history. She burst onto the scene in the late ’90s with her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm, which achieved triple platinum status and defined the neo soul genre. Her rise began after opening for D’Angelo in 1994, leading to a pivotal deal with Kedar Entertainment. Subsequent albums, including Mama’s Gun (2000) and Worldwide Underground (2003), yielded hits like “Bag Lady” and “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop).”
Known for her distinctive voice—often compared to Billie Holiday—and her iconic headwraps, Badu’s influence extends beyond music; she’s also made her mark in film with roles in Blues Brothers 2000 and The Cider House Rules, and she featured in documentaries like Before the Music Dies and The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975.
Cousinz Festival 2024
