Erykah Badu's 'Holy Trinity': Meet The 3 Fathers Of Her Children And Their Unconventional Co-Parenting Philosophy

Erykah Badu has redefined the meaning of modern family, creating a harmonious "holy trinity" of co-parenting that is as legendary as her music career. As of late 2024, the Neo-Soul queen is the proud mother of three children, each with a different father who is also a significant figure in the world of hip-hop and music. Her family life is a testament to prioritizing love, respect, and friendship over traditional relationship norms, proving that ex-partners can evolve into a unified, supportive network for their children. This article delves deep into the lives of her three children—Seven, Puma, and Mars—and the iconic fathers who share in their upbringing: André 3000, The D.O.C., and Jay Electronica. We explore their individual stories, their current endeavors, and the unique, highly-publicized co-parenting philosophy that keeps this unconventional family unit thriving and consistently in the news.

The Holy Trinity: Erykah Badu's Children and Their Fathers

Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright, has three children from three separate, high-profile relationships. Her approach to motherhood and co-parenting has been widely praised for its maturity and focus on the children's well-being, often referring to her ex-partners as her "best friends." She has famously stated that she is "nowhere near a single mom," highlighting the tight-knit support system she shares with the fathers.

• Child 1: Seven Sirius Benjamin
• Date of Birth: November 18, 1997
• Father: André 3000 (André Lauren Benjamin)
• Current Endeavor: Seven, now in his late twenties, has largely maintained a private life but has been reported to be pursuing his education and is a talented artist and musician in his own right, often shielded from the spotlight by his famous parents.
• Child 2: Puma Sabti Curry
• Date of Birth: July 5, 2004
• Father: The D.O.C. (Tracy Lynn Curry)
• Current Endeavor: Puma is a rising star who has inherited her mother's incredible vocal talent. She is an active presence on social media and is pursuing a career in music and modeling, often sharing cover songs that go viral.
• Child 3: Mars Merkaba Thedford
• Date of Birth: February 1, 2009
• Father: Jay Electronica (Elpadaro F. Thedford)
• Current Endeavor: Mars is the youngest, born in Dallas, Texas. She is growing up outside of the direct media glare but occasionally appears in her mother's social media posts, demonstrating the family's closeness.

André 3000: The Creative Soulmate and Co-Parenting Pioneer

The relationship between Erykah Badu and André 3000, half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast, is perhaps the most famous of her partnerships. They were together for about a year in 1996, and their union produced her first child, Seven Sirius Benjamin.

Their bond transcended romance and set the template for Badu's unique co-parenting style. Badu and André 3000 have consistently described each other as "best friends" and "cool friends," often talking on the phone and even seeking each other's advice on personal relationships. This deep, enduring friendship is a core entity in the family's narrative and is often cited as a model for healthy post-relationship dynamics.

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Seven Sirius Benjamin, who shares his father’s last name, is now a young adult who has been praised by his parents for his intelligence and creative spirit. His upbringing, split between two of music’s most profound artists, gave him a unique perspective on the world. The connection between Andre 3000 and Erykah Badu is a cornerstone of hip-hop and R&B lore, symbolizing a mature and respectful approach to family life after a romantic split. The recent release of André 3000's instrumental album, *New Blue Sun*, brought renewed attention to his personal life and the strong support he receives from his extended family, including Erykah Badu.

The D.O.C.: The Deep Friendship Behind Puma Sabti Curry

Erykah Badu's second child, Puma Sabti Curry, is the daughter of rapper and producer Tracy Lynn Curry, better known by his stage name, The D.O.C. Their relationship, which began after her split from André 3000, resulted in the birth of Puma in 2004.

The D.O.C. is an influential figure in West Coast hip-hop, known for his work with N.W.A., Dr. Dre, and Death Row Records. Despite their romantic relationship not lasting, The D.O.C. has publicly spoken about the incredible friendship he maintains with Badu, calling her his closest friend. This relationship, much like the one with André 3000, is characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to their daughter. The D.O.C. has often expressed gratitude for Badu's presence in his life and their shared passion for their child's future.

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Puma Sabti Curry is quickly becoming a public figure, often showcasing her powerful singing voice, which many compare to her mother’s distinct, soulful tone. Her burgeoning career in music is a direct reflection of the artistic environment created by her parents. Puma frequently posts videos of herself singing, demonstrating that the musical genius of both Erykah Badu and The D.O.C. has been passed down to the next generation.

Jay Electronica: The Spiritual Connection and Mars Merkaba Thedford

The youngest child, Mars Merkaba Thedford, was born on February 1, 2009, during Erykah Badu's relationship with underground hip-hop artist Jay Electronica. Jay Electronica, whose real name is Elpadaro F. Thedford, is a highly respected but often elusive rapper and producer, known for his lyrical depth and spiritual themes.

Badu and Jay Electronica were in a relationship from 2004 until around 2009, and their connection was often described in spiritual and intellectual terms. Badu has often credited Jay Electronica with helping her through a difficult period, stating he "saved" her in a way. The unique name of their daughter, Mars Merkaba, reflects the spiritual and esoteric interests shared by her parents.

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While Jay Electronica has a reputation for being reclusive, he remains an active co-parent. The family's ability to maintain a strong, unified front despite the public nature of their lives and the multiple fathers involved speaks volumes about Erykah Badu's "village" mentality. This unconventional family structure challenges societal norms surrounding single motherhood and multiple partners, instead focusing on the collective well-being of the children. The recurring theme across all three relationships is that the foundation of friendship and respect is far more important than the romantic attachment, creating a secure and loving environment for Seven, Puma, and Mars.

The enduring entity of Erykah Badu's family life is a powerful statement on modern relationships. She has successfully cultivated a supportive, multi-generational network of artists and thinkers, ensuring her children are raised with an abundance of love, creativity, and stability. This "Baduizm" philosophy of family remains a fascinating and inspiring topic for fans and cultural observers alike.