She sang the fk outta this song when that break down hit. She MADE you understand the game and the pain with it! Every conversation, every lonely night, every risky situation! And the flute player walked you through the process!
When an artist sounds better live than in a recording you know they are legit. Ms Badu fits the bill. This live performance is way better than any of her recordings. There is so much soul in her voice. She's very refreshing to listen to and groove to.
They all are very good singers and for that reason the performance was done sooooo so well u can hear each note from all of them AND THAT is what makes a good performance never forget about the back up singers ! It’s the same in a singing group ..
Omg! Don’t know that I’ve ever heard a flute sound that damn good! The musicianship of her live performances is absolutely incredible. Can’t believe I haven’t actually seen her perform live yet!!! Killin me!!
Eryka Badu is one of the best singers out there.Raw talent in its best!! Her vocal range is crazy and the flute was awesome.She was feeling that song and broke it down to the white meat!! Excellent performance.Brings back that 70 s vibe of the village in N.Y.C back in the day!!!❤️
Seems like a backhanded compliment..somehow in that you would even go there idk how you thought they'd sing but I assure you you got EB all jacked up.:/
The way she orchestrates her band BEHIND her though, using the slightest, most subtle gestures is absolutely INCREDIBLE. They know her body language and what she needs. GREAT ❤ coordination! Badu is the GOAT.
Whoever feels like they need to criticize a missed note or two on a live performance needs to get slapped! Stand up on a stage and do what these artist do day in and day out while they PERFECT their craft, then tell me how important it is to point out that they missed a note! (Ninjas!) Badu and her band went into a zone, and I was right there with her, that performance was outstanding!
Robert Taylor Get slapped because of criticism? For real? What is wrong with criticism? I think she is great, but there were a few missed notes on her part and some of the bands part. It is very noticeable, but that comes with the territory. Some people are just haters, but there is nothing wrong with qualified ears noticing. Nobody is beyond criticism.
There will always be desktop critics.... Guess what E Badu is up there and has been for years!!! She's great !! I agree I can't stand people who critique every little thing It's LIVE music.... Not studio
Robert Taylor Those guys don't miss notes. Maybe someone thought they did, but I'm sure they haven't. Chris Daddy Dave is one of the best drummers on the planet, I think that's Robert Glasper on the keys, one of the best jazz pianists, James Poyser is the usual keyboardist who is almost as outstanding, don't know who the other guys are, but I'm sure they are incredible musicians. These guys just don't make mistakes
Many are called, but few are chosen. Erykah Badu epitomises the meaning of a true artist. She said it best, “I can’t do it by myself”. For young Black artist, take heed, commit and let your spirit guide you.
She gave it up for Chris Dave on the drums, that Brotha bad on the skins, and the Bass player grooving, everybody's in the pocket, real music never dies.
Whenever I come back to watch this performance I always say to myself "this is one of the best live performances ever!" Her voice is raw Soul and the instrumentals are just INSANE!!! Do you hear the bass, african drums, and that flute? Shit!!!
Just thankful I had this song to turn to when I was a teenager walking away and needing to find peace my own way. Wonderful artist finding the right words for some very complex things.
Hey.... yo....... Ive never heard her do this live like this before. She made a brother tear up. Beautiful. Ya heard? Beautiful arrangement. Beautiful. Damn!!! I loooooooooove how she put this together. This was mad hot. I need a copy for da ride.
She is SO DAMN TALENTED...!!! This is truly one of my favorite songs by her. She truly is a vocal phenom. And i love singing along with her and the gift of voice the lord blessed me with.
For some odd reason, the way she went in during the break down got my eyes watery. Those notes just jolted through me and I felt her pain from when she was going through this back in '97. Not a lot of artists can do that. Jill is another one.
Never Never gets old. The best singer in the Indie Movement and even now. Her intelligence and foresight are on point. Do it my sister . You resonate strength,healing and spiritualism power to our culture of the past. People don’t get it twisted.🙏🏽
She is one with her band. One of the best band leaders there is. Tighest band in the game always!!! And one of the only artists out here i swear who when they redo their song live, it is always even better, fresher than the recorded version! Hail the master!!! I love her!!
My daughter and i have seen erykah in concert 3 times. Best concert ever. She shook our hands when we went up to the stage. She blew me away with her liver performances.
She sang the fk outta this song when that break down hit. She MADE you understand the game and the pain with it! Every conversation, every lonely night, every risky situation! And the flute player walked you through the process!
When an artist sounds better live than in a recording you know they are legit. Ms Badu fits the bill. This live performance is way better than any of her recordings. There is so much soul in her voice. She's very refreshing to listen to and groove to.
Fa sho...Poetry in live motion!!
What a amazing voice!!
I like Baduizm Live way more than Baduizm.
Yes 🙌🏾
I agree.
That damn flute killed it!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🪈
Baby the flute was the main character the whole night!!!
Literally have watched this video about 30 times in the last 4 or 5 years and it never gets old
;)
She starts singing, I understand the game and I'm gone, every time
I’m soo with you!! This is one of my favs by her and this live was #Unfuckwitable I went to her concert in Dallas a few years ago n was epic!
The way she hit “Brother’s got this complex occupation” give chills everytime I watch this! 😍😍
Rookie numbers 😂😂
That Brotha on the Bass is paying the bills...No Doubt...
Background vocals give me chills. They really compliment Our Queen Badu❤
They were outstanding 💫✨☀️
It did the same thing to me too I was almost up on stage😂😂😂😂😂😂
Her sister is the far left one
Is one of the background singers millie jackson daughter or am I trippin?
@@dirtyjswiss not sure but badu sister on the far left
No gimmicks, no nudity, just voice and energy!!!
Pure Goddess
Yess ✊🏾✨
Window Seat ?
them background singers was killin it to tho man i still love this shit so much
+TrollFace Productions Specially after the break @5:37! THEY WENT OFF TILL THE END!! Good ear man!!
no doubt they made this live performance even better
They all are very good singers and for that reason the performance was done sooooo so well u can hear each note from all of them AND THAT is what makes a good performance never forget about the back up singers ! It’s the same in a singing group ..
TrollFace Productions was that truthhurts in the background
winehousted90 agree the harmony was beautiful
That flute gets me everytime! Wow!
I just made a comment on it too
Every fking time
That Brother on that Flute was holding Serve......Right there with her.
All the way.
who else was diggin' that finger snap!!!
Evan Ryan Me!
I was in my room trying do it with her 😂😂😂
Me to!!!
She understands it well! And the brother on the flute! Man daayum....
Evangela Smith killing it
Evangela Smith Yesss! He Killin that flute! 😍
Sorry lady, i pressed wrong button it should be a yes! You're right blessings 🌺✌
That brother is killing it! The flute is so underrated!
Omg! Don’t know that I’ve ever heard a flute sound that damn good! The musicianship of her live performances is absolutely incredible. Can’t believe I haven’t actually seen her perform live yet!!! Killin me!!
They traveled to another dimension during this performance.
LU Lion way out the galaxy
Yasss
FACTS!
Yes!! I went to the 5th dimension and back!
I never get tired of watching this! That band is crazy!! Ebadu music is addicting!!!
AJsassy [[oollp
And those background vocals are 🔥
AJsassy I love her hair
This was the best live performance of this song ever!! Her whole Soul Stage concert was all that!!
Best hands down!
Erykah Badu is str8 killing it when she is breaking down "I UNDERSTAND THE GAME" I can just listen to this song all day or on a long up and down I95.
The way she gets in the moment and displays her sick ass range while still maintaining the message in the song....#dope
I want to see her live this november
Eryka Badu is one of the best singers out there.Raw talent in its best!! Her vocal range is crazy and the flute was awesome.She was feeling that song and broke it down to the white meat!! Excellent performance.Brings back that 70 s vibe of the village in N.Y.C back in the day!!!❤️
Nobody is touching Ms. Badu live performances. A queen at her finest.🐐🐐
Her background singers are smooth- awesome volume with no one over singing each other. Good blend!
It’s soooo rich is just SOAK in this rendition!! Oooh!
Seems like a backhanded compliment..somehow in that you would even go there idk how you thought they'd sing but I assure you you got EB all jacked up.:/
No diss but female artists these days can't touch this.
AJ Smith Truth
AJ Smith it is a dis but a righteous dis
What about Solange?
Stephen Orr No, and I like Solange.
June Mareeizy has some comparable sounding tunes when she works with FKJ
The way she orchestrates her band BEHIND her though, using the slightest, most subtle gestures is absolutely INCREDIBLE. They know her body language and what she needs. GREAT ❤ coordination! Badu is the GOAT.
Most definitely 👌🏾🌟💯
Band GOTTA Pay attention !
She’s a BAD SISTAH! Glad you noticed!
Incredible singer 😅😅😅😅😅😅
She the goat 🐐 🙌 😎 💯
Whoever feels like they need to criticize a missed note or two on a live performance needs to get slapped! Stand up on a stage and do what these artist do day in and day out while they PERFECT their craft, then tell me how important it is to point out that they missed a note! (Ninjas!) Badu and her band went into a zone, and I was right there with her, that performance was outstanding!
Amen
Robert Taylor Get slapped because of criticism? For real? What is wrong with criticism? I think she is great, but there were a few missed notes on her part and some of the bands part. It is very noticeable, but that comes with the territory. Some people are just haters, but there is nothing wrong with qualified ears noticing. Nobody is beyond criticism.
Jwkl
D
There will always be desktop critics.... Guess what E Badu is up there and has been for years!!! She's great !! I agree I can't stand people who critique every little thing
It's LIVE music.... Not studio
Robert Taylor Those guys don't miss notes. Maybe someone thought they did, but I'm sure they haven't. Chris Daddy Dave is one of the best drummers on the planet, I think that's Robert Glasper on the keys, one of the best jazz pianists, James Poyser is the usual keyboardist who is almost as outstanding, don't know who the other guys are, but I'm sure they are incredible musicians. These guys just don't make mistakes
She is one of the only artists that give me literal goosebumps when she sings. She's so damn good live.
Braylon Lacy brought the " chicken grease " with those bass lines. 4 string for life.
That brotha on that Bass had a pot of Chitterlings stanking up the place...
hahahah
this is literally the best song in the world, every word every beat it is so perfect to me it instantly makes me cry it is so beautiful
I cry at this performance every time
@@indigoldd mytho ...
@Daz D i can t believe it indeed
Many are called, but few are chosen. Erykah Badu epitomises the meaning of a true artist. She said it best, “I can’t do it by myself”. For young Black artist, take heed, commit and let your spirit guide you.
the bass line is one of the best I ever heard
The Bass man is Locked in, let that man go!!! lol I knew somebody else could hear that
I guess nobody ever heard of Al Hudson ?..lol. The best that ever done it..One way baby !!!!
@@marshallallen72 I thought it was braylon lacy playing bass during this period for Erykah?
@@jeffreymaccora It is braylon, but the best bass player came from a group called One Way...Al Hudson, he always played with a group called Slave..
@@marshallallen72 Mark Adams was the Bass player with Slave
Her band is AWESOME!
As well as the background singers!
She gave it up for Chris Dave on the drums, that Brotha bad on the skins, and the Bass player grooving, everybody's in the pocket, real music never dies.
D M Chris Dave play for Mint Condition as well Bad Man
Only erkah could give you this type of funk and artistic perfection. Love this live performance! The background vocals and band is tight.
This performance was so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes.
@The SPIRITLIGHT Surround yourself with 😍
The flute the bongo...
All about that version is amazing!
Thats how u sing and play when u have it in ur soul and blood.
come thru flute!!!!!!
Ebony Chante he DID NOT disappoint!😅😅
Ebony Chante Future~ Mask Off who?
I need THIS EXACT VERSION on album
I remember when this aired, I watched this entire show standing up #InConcert
you too?
Ok because you’re beautiful
Jason Pizarro 😂
SHE
TORE
THIS
UP!!!!!!!
She was NOT playin' with the girls!
🔥✊❤
...Ikr...brilliancy!!!
Never does MOTHA play with this song live
Yup!!
Mini
I can feel this down in my socks and shoes! Chris Dave is whoopin the drums like Adrian Peterson.
She feed off positive energy, this how a woman is made to do, feed off positive energy.😊
Whenever I come back to watch this performance I always say to myself "this is one of the best live performances ever!"
Her voice is raw Soul and the instrumentals are just INSANE!!! Do you hear the bass, african drums, and that flute? Shit!!!
that flute is so sexy!!!! the ending is my absolute favorite!!!!
This woman is the most soulful singer
she was feeling it. goddamn
Yasss....flute player though.
Especially at 7:44
Simply organic. Simply amazing
What do you mean when you say organic?
Just thankful I had this song to turn to when I was a teenager walking away and needing to find peace my own way. Wonderful artist finding the right words for some very complex things.
The way the Bass player falls back in... Yeah, that part! ;)
Yes....groovy
WOW. 4:03-4:04 that bass line was so funky and went through my body...even the bassist was feeling it hard.
The flute is amazing in this song ❤
I’m still here...walking in 2020. Sing Queen
Hey.... yo....... Ive never heard her do this live like this before. She made a brother tear up. Beautiful. Ya heard? Beautiful arrangement. Beautiful. Damn!!! I loooooooooove how she put this together. This was mad hot. I need a copy for da ride.
The musicality of this performance, this era, man if I could live it over and over I would. And those mf'n chords. Woooooo
the end gives me life. she kills it. awesome
Me too. Sexiest ending ever
Erikah is Just genius...
Tiffiny Bates-Johnson classic ish
@@pinkblackbrown absolutely
erykah didn't miss a note. She hit all the notes she normally hits on this song.
Jeez - this is what you call soul to the bone! Thank you.
About as perfect of a song as can be written. DANG...everybody pack up your instruments and just go home.
You can literally feel every lyric she sang🥺
Everything about this piece of art is perfect!! That flute is GOIN OFF in the backgroud!!!
She is SO DAMN TALENTED...!!! This is truly one of my favorite songs by her. She truly is a vocal phenom. And i love singing along with her and the gift of voice the lord blessed me with.
Wow ! This sister is so real! Her live shows are incredible! Her energy just pulls you in! She always looks so unique and so original! Love her! ☹💝💘
Erykah Badu is simply fabulous
One of a kind💋
Ms.Erykah Badu❤
Awesome backup crew as well ..👍
Damn near died listening to this. . . My poor little heart can't handle it. lol. TOO MUCH TALENT. I LOVE BADU. The band did their THANG!
The brotha on the bass is putting in MAJOR W-O-R-K!! HE IS STINKIN UP THE JOINT AND THE BREAKDOWN @ 5:37 IS STANK NASTY!!
you stupid man...lol
I literally jumped off the couch at 5:35!!
Shtank face all day
rabbiron they was all putting in work that’s what made this performance so good !! I love his
i wish this entire set (live) was available on cd. i love it!!
This is my all time fav Badu song!! she never disappoints!!
anything E.Badu does live or in the studio is certified pure and flawless perfection!
This is the only version I listen to do of this song …. The absolute best!
For some odd reason, the way she went in during the break down got my eyes watery.
Those notes just jolted through me and I felt her pain from when she was going through this back in '97.
Not a lot of artists can do that.
Jill is another one.
Durand Bernarr love you Durand!!!
exactly
Hell yes, this.
"I understand the game.." this line is so layered.
Because you understand the game
unmatched. food for the soul
Love this woman...She's the total package....This song has a 70's Philly feel to it.
you betta give me life FLUTE...
Sing it erykah!!!!!!!!!
dude on bass was killin
I come back every year to listen to this live :) amazing
Should've left a trail of breadcrumbs here....I got LOST in this! Hot damn, this is amazing!
This performance gave me chills my goodness. Excellent !!!!
I come back for this performance every so often just great!!! Live Badu is something I have to see and experience in real life
Never Never gets old. The best singer in the Indie Movement and even now. Her intelligence and foresight are on point. Do it my sister . You resonate strength,healing and spiritualism power to our culture of the past. People don’t get it twisted.🙏🏽
Man...I wasn't ready for 5:38...NICE...;-)
+Bern-z les Pere Thats what I wait for! That breakdown is nasty!
Bees knees
Bern-z les Pere amazing
SEE I UNDASTAAAAND IT!
Brings chills. It’s real deep.
This performance was so dope and refreshing...and BGV's are on point! Come on Ms. Badu!
She transports you to a whole other universe!!! Erykah is just naturally dope & her energy is magnetic 🧲 💫✊🏾
I remember when thus aired.. VH1 SOUL😍
She is singing!!!! and that band is playing!!!! awesome live performance!! and those back up singers are on point!
That breakdown at 5:38 is the TRUTH!
She's a great artist ❤️😍 with a God given talent
GOD BLESS YOU SWEETIE AND YOUR BACK GROUND SINGERS.GOD BE WITH Y'ALL.
And I went back to check🤦🏽♂️5:38 on da dot. Mmmmmm. Got me in the back of da jauuww!!!
child! that can be a single on it 's own.
This thing .makes me lose my dam mind @! Love it love her ya ah
@@tasj981 yes and yes
Amazing flute, drums 'n bass!!
This my shit right here!!
this is as good as music can be. simply magnificent!!! pfff... WOW!!!
After watching this for years I have a deeper respect for what Chris Dave was doing. Geeeez my brother your musical mind is simply amazing!!
I would've love to see this live.Her stage presence, knowledge, and positive energy is a blessing! 🌬✌🏾🌟🙌🏾
had this on my mp3 for years at work everywhere love her
still jamming in 2016
Lindamorena still jamming in 2019
Still jamming in 2024
she is pure talent and beauty, there is none other
She is one with her band. One of the best band leaders there is. Tighest band in the game always!!! And one of the only artists out here i swear who when they redo their song live, it is always even better, fresher than the recorded version! Hail the master!!! I love her!!
My daughter and i have seen erykah in concert 3 times. Best concert ever. She shook our hands when we went up to the stage. She blew me away with her liver performances.
Ms. Badu..........way ahead of her time, what a talent and if you pay attention you might learn something.....
5:37. That moment when you know that you and you crew are one of the baddest to ever do it onstage.
wish our generation had this type of music with real performances like this
This little lady the real deal, gorgeous tune
Just shaking my head right now!!