Queen Latifah and Erykah Badu’s Surprising Collaboration You Might Have Forgotten
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
When fans search for a memorable collaboration between Queen Latifah and Erykah Badu, many might come up empty-handed. Their musical paths have often been distinct—Latifah’s roots in hip-hop and jazz contrast with Badu’s neo-soul and experimental stylings. Yet, a deeper dive reveals a standout moment: “Love of My Life Worldwide,” a remix featured on Erykah Badu’s 2003 EP Worldwide Underground. This funky, neo-soul track not only showcases Badu and Latifah’s talents but also features Angie Stone and Bahamadia, making it a rare convergence of powerhouse artists.
The Origins of the Track
“Love of My Life Worldwide” is a reimagining of Badu’s earlier hit “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop),” which was itself a tribute to the genre that shaped her artistic identity. The remix, appearing as a bonus on Worldwide Underground, expands the original’s scope by adding verses from Latifah, Stone, and Bahamadia. Latifah’s rap on the track offers a nostalgic nod to her hip-hop roots, blending seamlessly with Badu’s soulful hooks.
The EP’s tracklist highlights the song’s place as a collaborative gem:
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Bump It
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Danger
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Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop) [feat. Common]
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Think Twice
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I Want You
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Back in the Day (Night of the Living Baseheads) [feat. dead prez]
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Love of My Life (Remix) [feat. Queen Latifah, Angie Stone & Bahamadia]
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The Grind
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Outro (World Keeps Turnin’)
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Steady On The Grind [feat. dead prez]
While other tracks feature prominent collaborators, “Love of My Life Worldwide” stands out as the sole pairing of Latifah and Badu. Lyrics and production credits confirm Latifah’s role as a featured artist, cementing this remix as a unique entry in both artists’ catalogs.
No Hidden Archives, Just One Memorable Song
Despite the plural phrasing “Songs You Don’t Remember,” research indicates that “Love of My Life Worldwide” is the only recorded track where Latifah and Badu share the spotlight. While Badu is listed as a guest on Queen Latifah’s 2007 jazz album Trav’lin’ Light, she isn’t credited as a featured vocalist on any particular track. This distinction suggests that their sole vocal collaboration remains the remix from Worldwide Underground.
A Rare and Overlooked Collaboration
For fans who may have forgotten—or never knew about—“Love of My Life Worldwide,” this track serves as a reminder of the creative magic that happens when iconic artists join forces. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of some of their solo hits, it remains a hidden gem, a testament to their enduring artistry and willingness to push boundaries. So, if you’re looking to rediscover a song that embodies the spirit of collaboration, “Love of My Life Worldwide” is the one to revisit.
