Erykah Badu and The Alchemist have been preparing the release of their first collaborative album since spring 2025. The duo revealed an official release date of 28 August. Although The Alchemist had disclosed the title Abi & Alan in 2025, the announcement does not mention any name for the project.
The announcement includes the lead single "Witch Doctor", which features a music video. The imagery for "Witch Doctor" is a sequel to the controversial 2010 video from Badu for "Window Seat", in which she undressed and then pretended to be shot at the site of president John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. Sixteen years later, the 10-minute short film "Witch Doctor" follows Badu walking through the streets at night, encountering progressively violent encounters. In the end, she is robbed of her clothes rather than removing them herself.
Badu and The Alchemist, also known as Alan Maman, co-produced their upcoming album over 18 months in Dallas and Los Angeles. The release, which will likely include the single "Next to You", is being handled by Control Freaq/Young. The duo will tour North America next month.
