PS Picks: The Witchy Charms of Erykah Badu in David Marchese’s ‘New York’ Magazine Interview

PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine’s staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.
Erykah Badu.

This PS Pick originally appeared in The Lede, the weekly Pacific Standard email newsletter for premium members. The Lede gives premium members greater access to Pacific Standard stories, staff, and contributors in their inbox every week. While helping to support journalism in the public interest, members also receive a print magazine subscription, early access to feature stories, and access to an ad-free version of PSmag.com.

Yes, Erykah Badu told New York magazine some wild, regrettable stuff about Hitler. She can insist all she wants that she never means to hurt anyone, but Badu—artist, legend, purported witch—at least loves to provoke. And it makes her one hell of an interview. She and reporter David Marchese are personal and generous with each other whether talking sociology or songwriting or doulas. Badu shouldn’t be hired to give a history lecture any time soon, and we shouldn’t want her to. She’s better just as she is—an imperfect firecracker. Give this one a read, preferably over some hot, witchy green tea.

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