"Next Lifetime" is a song recorded by American singer
Erykah Badu
Erica Abi Wright (born February 26, 1971), known professionally as Erykah Badu (), is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. Influenced by rhythm and blues, R&B, Soul music, soul, and hip hop, Badu rose to prominence in the ...
for her debut studio album ''
Baduizm
''Baduizm'' is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. It was released on February 11, 1997, by Kedar Records and Universal Records. After leaving university in order to concentrate on music full-time, Badu then began ...
'' (1997). It was written by Badu and Anthony Scott. A mid-tempo
ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads derive from the medieval French ''chanson balladée'' or ''ballade'', which were originally "dance songs". Ballads were particularly characteristic of the popular poetry and ...
, the song describes being in a relationship but longing for another man. At the start of the song, Badu is heard talking to a man about how they can't be together even though they both have feelings for one another.
Music video
The accompanying
music video
A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
for "Next Lifetime" starts with the title "a story by Erykah Badu".
It then shows Badu and the man she longs for in three different time frames–or "lifetimes"–including "Motherland, 1637 A.D.", "
The Movement
The Movement may refer to:
Politics
* The Movement (Iceland), a political party in Iceland
* The Movement (Israel), a political party in Israel, led by Tzipi Livni
* Civil rights movement, the African-American political movement
* The Movemen ...
, 1968" and "Motherland, 3037".
Pete Rock
Peter O. Phillips (born June 21, 1970), better known by his stage name Pete Rock, is an American record producer, DJ and rapping, rapper. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest hip hop producers of all time, and is often mentioned alongs ...
,
Method Man
Clifford Smith, Jr. (born March 2, 1971), better known by his stage name Method Man, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is known as a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He is also half of t ...
and Badu's then-boyfriend
André 3000
André Lauren Benjamin (born May 27, 1975), better known as André 3000, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is best known for being a part of southern hip hop duo Outkast alongside fellow rapper Big Boi.
B ...
all appeared in the video.
Track listings and formats
UK 12-inch vinyl
# "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30
# "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45
# "Next Lifetime" (live) – 10:57
# "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15
# "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30
UK cassette and European CD single
# "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15
# "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45
UK maxi CD single
# "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15
# "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30
# "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45
# "Next Lifetime" (live) – 10:57
# "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30
Japanese maxi CD single
# "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30
# "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15
# "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30
# "
On & On" (dance mix) – 3:50
Charts
Release history
Notes
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Next Lifetime (Erykah Badu song)
1997 singles
Erykah Badu songs
Songs written by Erykah Badu
1997 songs
Soul ballads
1990s ballads
Contemporary R&B ballads