It’s been over 26 years since Erykah Badu came along and changed the sound of soul music, blazing onto the scene with elegantly restrained vocals birthed in love, life and empowerment. All of these themes are painted against a canvas of melodic jazz-soul, hip-hop vibes.

Badu is performing tonight at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. In anticipation of her performance, CapRadio’s Chris Campbell spoke with Badu about her “Unfollow Me” tour, her latest business venture and how she frames herself musically after a quarter century in the industry.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

Interview highlights

On the genesis and concept of the Unfollow Me tour

The Unfollow Me tour is a tongue-in-cheek way to invite my fans to the show. Unfollow me is “Badu-ism” for me — it should encourage you to follow your own path and bring forth your own gifts and own understanding. It’s jokey and a moment to reflect at the same time.

On co-headlining the tour with Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def

We have toured before. We have the same kind of energy and intent when performing. We are present in our performance and in our music as well. We share a sonic sound and a metronome. It feels natural, good and right.

On remembering her albums through word associations

Worldwide Underground — tour bus. We recorded the whole album on the tour bus. It was really a Worldwide Underground. Whoever wanted to get on the album in whatever city would get on it, recording it was the antics of the tour bus.

New Amerykah Part One & Part Two — Andre Harrell. I was at the Electric Ladyland working on a body of music, about 30 to 40 songs, and I was trying to choose what goes where and pair it down to one album. Andre Harrell was there and said, “Why don’t you just make it ‘Part One and Two?’”

Baduizm — Innocence. Youth. Possibility. Creative juices.

Mama’s Gun — Funk. Electric Lady Studio. Musicianship.

On the launch of her cannabis company

I’m working on my first cannabis line. I always wanted to be part of the cannabis conversation, and now I have this opportunity.

I have a perfect partnership and released my first strain called “That Badu.” I took on the task of joining the cannabis conversation where women are concerned — women growers, users, doctors, spiritualists, scientists, dispensary owners, etc., who use cannabis in their work. 

I’m happy to join in creating products around this line that speaks to a woman’s needs.

On where she sees herself in terms of her influence on music

My best work is still inside of me. I've had fun and had the opportunity to create; however, I wanted to create and stay in alignment with myself the whole time and not lose myself in the 25-year process.

I find myself in the present. Today, I'm only thinking about this tour. Putting a tour together is very taxing. I have my hands in all the pots. It's taking a lot of work — designing the set, sequencing the songs, etc.

On her personal mantra

To each his own — that's my philosophy. I don't know what's right for you; you don't know what's right for me … Unfollow Me. I say it every morning.