It was in South Dallas, Texas that a future star was born under the name Erica Wright. The girl who was delivered to the world on February 26, 1971 has one sister and one brother but her father walked away from the family when she was still a little. Her mother had to fight for their existence by engaging in several jobs as an actress. It was the exact same thing that influenced Badu to choose her career path later, While still a four year old, she was taken by her mother to perform and dance at Dallas Theater center. Coming to the age of teen, she has been quite apt in freestyling that eventually led her to meet beatboxer Ray Hargrove. Once she graduated from high school, she set her mind straight to performing education. She was a theater student of Black College Grambling State University before choosing music over the course. Just before she graduated from the college, Badu abandoned the education to pursue what she loves, music.