Let me start out by saying that I am a big fan of the head-wrapped, Nubian princess of R&B/Hip Hop. Erykah exploded on the music scene back in 1997 with a debut album that had a fresh sound, a new look and a mystical vibe. "Baduizm" was loaded with funky hip-hop grooves, with songs like "On and On" where Erykah’s Billie Holliday vocal style swept over a thumping new jack beat. It raised the stakes for the hip-hop nation and made people take notice of this new talent. On "Apple Tree", Miss Badu bellows "I pick my friends like I pick my fruit. Granny told me that, ‘When I was a youth I don’t walk around trying to be what I’m not. I don’t waste my time trying to get what you got.’" She was independent, full of wisdom and a positive-thinker all wrapped in a "one with the universe" attitude. She had something for everyone.

I even respected her much criticized move to follow-up her multi-platinum debut CD with a live CD of the same songs. I realized that this talented, Karma creature was also a smart businesswoman. "Erykah Badu Live" brought us the underground hit "Tyrone". The song was witty and liberating. Erykah’s intro finds her saying to the crowd, "I’m going to test this out, and remember, I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit!" The crowd roars at Erykah’s candid approach. The song unfolds as a conversation with a man she is kicking to the curb. Anyone who has been in a one-way relationship can relate to this song, though the song was never released as a single. It got mass radio play and gained Erykah the status of Princess of R&B/Hip-Hop.

How does an artist follow-up to a smash hit debut album? By doing something totally different. On her sophomore effort, "Mama’s Gun", Erykah traded in the street sound for a smooth, jazz fusion with a hip-hop, R&B flavor. It seems to be influenced by D’Angelo’s 2000 CD "Voodoo". Her vibe is mellow and sweet, almost Sade-like.

I guess getting married and having a baby will do that to you. The not-so-long ago, edgy, cosmic philosopher is nowhere to be found on "Mama’s Gun". The first single, "Bag Lady", has little appeal. Her metaphoric twist to emotional baggage is profound, but doesn’t translate to the listener. This album lacks the puissance and wisdom of "Baduizm". Her voice is often emotionless and whiny and the songs blend into one. Left behind is the power and soulfulness of her debut album.

The song "Hey Sugah" stands out from the rest and shows that Erykah still has what it takes. It is raw and bursting with pure creativity. The funky ‘70s bass line-driven track thunders; it’s a track that Lenny Kravitz would love to perform. It’s too bad that Erykah didn’t follow that vibe for the entire CD. "Mama’s Gun" would be better titled, "Mama’s Mellow".