What is the title of Erykah Badu's 1997 debut studio album?

Erykah Badu's 1997 debut studio album is Baduizm. Released on February 11, 1997, by Kedar and Universal Records, it introduced Badu's distinctive blend of R&B, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and what became known as neo soul.

Before signing her record deal, Badu left university to focus on music and toured with her cousin Robert "Free" Bradford. Together they recorded a 19-song demo called Country Cousins. Record executive Kedar Massenburg heard her work, arranged a connection with D'Angelo, and eventually signed her to Kedar Records.

Baduizm produced the singles "On & On," "Next Lifetime," and "Otherside of the Game." The album became a major commercial and critical success, reaching number two on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earning triple-platinum certification in the United States.

A common mix-up is confusing Baduizm with Live, which was Badu's first live album and was also released in 1997. New Amerykah, Mama's Gun, and Worldwide Underground were later studio albums, not her debut.