The Badu Legacy: Meet Erykah Badu's 3 Children And Their Famous Fathers In 2025
As of December 2025, the enigmatic and influential neo-soul icon Erykah Badu continues to redefine modern motherhood, raising three remarkable children who are now adults and young adults forging their own paths in the world. Badu’s family life has always been as intriguing as her music, largely due to the fact that she shares her children with three different, equally legendary figures from the hip-hop and music industry. This unique family dynamic has sparked countless conversations, but Badu herself has consistently championed a positive, non-traditional view of her blended family.
Far from the spotlight of controversy, Badu's children—Seven, Puma, and Mars—have grown up to be talented individuals, each inheriting a blend of their parents’ artistry and unique spirit. From a son who chose academia over a music career to a daughter who is a rising vocalist and social media star, their stories are a testament to the powerful, unconventional legacy of the 'Queen of Neo-Soul.' This deep dive explores the lives of Erykah Badu's three kids, their famous fathers, and what they are doing in the current year, providing the freshest details available.
Erykah Badu: A Quick Biographical Profile and Family Context
Born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, Erykah Badu is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and actress, widely regarded as the "Queen of Neo-Soul." Her career, which began with the critically acclaimed album Baduizm in 1997, is characterized by her distinctive spiritual aesthetic, conscious lyrics, and fusion of R&B, jazz, and funk. Her personal life has been closely watched, particularly her high-profile relationships with fellow musicians, which resulted in her three children.
- Full Name: Erica Abi Wright
- Born: February 26, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Activist
- Genre: Neo-soul, R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop
- Notable Partners (Fathers of Her Children):
- André 3000 (André Lauren Benjamin): Rapper, singer, and actor, best known as one half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast.
- The D.O.C. (Tracy Lynn Curry): Rapper and songwriter who was a member of the group D.O.C. and a collaborator with N.W.A. and Dr. Dre.
- Jay Electronica (Elpadaro F. Thedford): Rapper and producer from New Orleans, known for his elusive career and highly anticipated debut album.
- Children: Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, Mars Merkaba Thedford
The Firstborn: Seven Sirius Benjamin (Son of André 3000)
Seven Sirius Benjamin is Erykah Badu's first and only son, born on November 18, 1997. As of late 2025, Seven is 28 years old and has largely chosen a path outside of the intense musical spotlight that his parents—André 3000 of OutKast and Erykah Badu—occupy.
A Different Path: Academia and Privacy
Despite being the son of two of the most influential artists in modern music history, Seven has pursued a life focused on education and privacy. Badu proudly announced several years ago that Seven was accepted into four different colleges, highlighting his academic achievements. While he occasionally appears in rare, touching family photos with both his parents, he maintains a low profile, choosing not to leverage his famous lineage for a career in music or entertainment.
His name, Seven Sirius Benjamin, is a powerful combination, reflecting the cosmic and spiritual themes often present in his mother's work. The choice to embrace a more traditional, academic route speaks volumes about the freedom of choice and individuality fostered within the Badu-Benjamin family structure. This decision has allowed him to carve out his own identity away from the "neo-soul prince" title many expected him to inherit.
The Dynamic with André 3000
Seven's father is the iconic André 3000, known for his lyrical genius and experimental approach to music. Although Badu and André 3000 separated around 1999, their commitment to co-parenting Seven has always been a model of mutual respect and friendship. Their co-parenting relationship is frequently cited as one of the most successful and healthy in the celebrity world, proving that a family unit can thrive even when the romantic partnership ends.
The Rising Star: Puma Sabti Curry (Daughter of The D.O.C.)
Puma Sabti Curry is Erykah Badu’s second child and eldest daughter, born in 2004. As of late 2025, Puma is 21 years old and has emerged as a clear successor to her mother's vocal and stylistic talents. Her father is the legendary West Coast rapper and songwriter, The D.O.C. (Tracy Lynn Curry).
A Vocalist and Social Media Sensation
Puma has not shied away from the spotlight; in fact, she has actively cultivated a presence that showcases her incredible vocal range and artistic flair. She is a renowned vocalist and a notable figure on social media platforms, often sharing videos of her singing. Fans and critics alike have noted the uncanny resemblance between Puma's voice and her mother's, often calling her Badu’s "mini-me" or "twin."
Her public profile has been steadily rising, marked by significant appearances like attending the Met Gala in 2023. She has been performing and covering songs since she was a young girl, showcasing her talent in renditions of hits from artists like Rihanna and classic musical numbers. Puma's clear path is toward a career in music, fashion, or a combination of both, positioning her as the most likely of Badu's children to follow directly in her parents' footsteps.
The D.O.C. and the Curry Connection
Puma's father, The D.O.C., is a highly respected figure in hip-hop, known for his work with N.W.A. and his own acclaimed debut album. Badu and The D.O.C. were partners around 2003-2004. Their daughter's middle name, Sabti, and her last name, Curry, firmly connect her to her father's lineage. The co-parenting relationship has remained harmonious, allowing Puma to benefit from the artistic guidance of both her highly creative parents.
The Youngest: Mars Merkaba Thedford (Daughter of Jay Electronica)
Mars Merkaba Thedford is Badu's youngest child, born in 2009. As of late 2025, Mars is 16 years old and is still navigating her teenage years. Her father is the enigmatic rapper Jay Electronica (Elpadaro F. Thedford).
The Spiritual Meaning of Mars Merkaba
The name Mars Merkaba is perhaps the most unique of Badu's children, reflecting her deep interest in spirituality and cosmic concepts. 'Mars' is a nod to the planet, while 'Merkaba' is a spiritual term meaning a divine light vehicle used by ascended masters to connect with and reach higher realms. Like her siblings, Mars has been raised in an environment that encourages deep thought, creativity, and a connection to nature and self-awareness.
Given her age, Mars maintains the lowest public profile of the three children. Her life is mostly documented through occasional, loving posts by her mother. Fans are often given glimpses of her artistic talents and unique style, which suggests she, too, may possess the creative spark of her parents, though her specific career aspirations remain private for now.
The Jay Electronica Partnership
Mars' father, Jay Electronica, is known for his poetic, complex, and often politically charged lyrics. Badu and Jay Electronica were partners from 2004 to 2009. Their relationship and co-parenting of Mars have been characterized by mutual respect, continuing the pattern of healthy, non-acrimonious family dynamics that Badu has established. This unconventional family structure, where the children have strong, loving relationships with all three of their fathers, is a hallmark of Badu's approach to motherhood.
Erykah Badu's Stance on Non-Traditional Motherhood
Erykah Badu has often used her platform to push back against the societal stigma associated with having children with multiple fathers, a topic that has generated headlines over the years. She has consistently emphasized that her children are loved, supported, and raised within a unified family structure, regardless of the parents' romantic status.
In a candid interview, Badu broke down the notion that having children with different men is a negative, explaining that her relationships were organic and that she didn't plan her family in a traditional sense. She stresses that the fathers of her children—André 3000, The D.O.C., and Jay Electronica—are all good men who are actively involved in their children's lives. This philosophy underscores a powerful message: love, respect, and effective co-parenting are what truly define a successful family, not adherence to outdated societal norms.
The legacy of Erykah Badu is not just in her genre-defining music, but in her role as a mother who has successfully raised three grounded, talented, and distinct individuals. As Seven, Puma, and Mars continue to grow and define their own legacies in 2025, they stand as living proof of the success of their mother's unconventional, yet profoundly loving, approach to family.
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