Before the World Blows

Before the World Blows is a collaborative studio album by the American singer Erykah Badu and record producer the Alchemist. It was released on August 28, 2026, by Control Freaq and Young. The album merges Badu's use of melodic and atmospheric compositions with the Alchemist's sampling techniques. It marks Badu's first project in eleven years, following the mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone (2015). Badu met the Alchemist during her annual Birthday Bash in Dallas, with both having interest in working with each other beforehand. The Alchemist learned about Badu's production approach by using her instruments into his sample-based beats. The duo recorded and produced the album in the span of over eighteen months in Dallas and Los Angeles. In promotion of the album in 2025, Badu and the Alchemist released its initial lead single "Next to You", previewed the track "Echos 19 (mix 122)", performed three shows in Japan, and went on The Abi & Alan Tour, with all performances being phone-free. The album was initially set for release on August 29, but was postponed as the Alchemist denied it would release that day. The album resumed promotion the following year with a new release date and the release of its lead single "Witch Doctor". Badu and the Alchemist are currently on a North American tour with De La Soul and Smino in September 2026.