Erykah Badu, Tyrone | Throwback Vibez

In the 206^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Tyrone” by Grammy-winning Erykah Badu.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 206^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Tyrone” performed by Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu begins “Tyrone” with ample personality. In the intro, she memorably asks, “Sisters, how y’all feel? / Brothers, y’all alright? / Right… see how y’all groove to this…” We groove just fine, Erykah! “Tyrone” thrives off its neo-soul musical accompaniment: keys, drums, and a robust anchor provided by the bass. The groove is marvelous! Badu impresses with her jazzy, nuanced performance. As evidenced by the introduction, Badu brings attitude, personality, and a lot of sass. “I’m gettin’ tired of yo’ shit,” she cries foul in the first verse. She memorably adds, “You gotta bring Jim, James, Paul, and Tyrone / See, why can’t we be by ourself sometimes?” Legitimate question. In the second verse, Badu is still fed up with his shit! “Now every time I ask you for a little cash / You say ‘Naw,’ but turn right around and ask me for some ass.” Ooh-wee! It doesn’t stop there! “And you know the deal, nigga / Every time we go somewhere, I gotta reach down in my purse,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “To pay your way and your homeboys’ way / And sometimes ya cousin’s way.” Ooh-wee, no bueno! Badu delivers memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies about how this dude sucks, particularly in the chorus, excerpted earlier.  Badu concludes “Tyrone” to roaring applause as she sings, “You need to call Tyrone (Call him) / Hold on / But you can’t use my phone.” Oh, snap! “Tyrone” remains one of the truly great songs from the neo-soul era. Erykah Badu did her big one!