Erykah Badu and NAS

The last time we heard from Erykah Badu, it was 2010 when she released New Amerykah Part Two. This is not to assume that Badu is irrelevant — in fact quite the contrary. She is a far cry from a one-trick “Bag Lady” or a passive figure (see her controversial interview with Vulture earlier this year). For her latest tour, she has teamed up with rapper Nas on the heels of his new Kanye West-produced record. While most shit is uncertain, one thing is promised of this pairing: Two of the most influential names in the game will serve up a poetic and sensual power-dose of hip-hop.