It is early 2026, and if you have scrolled through social media lately, you’ve likely seen that photo. You know the one—the high-fashion, "twin-like" shot of Erykah Badu and her middle child, Puma Curry. They’re rocking matching stocking caps, and the resemblance isn't just striking; it’s basically eerie. But beyond the viral "face card" moments and the Met Gala appearances, there is something deeper going on in the Badu household.
People are obsessed with Erykah Badu and daughters because they represent a specific kind of modern, bohemian family success that feels genuinely earned. Badu hasn't just raised "celebrity kids." She has raised three distinct individuals—Seven (her son with André 3000), Puma, and Mars—who seem remarkably grounded despite growing up in the orbit of one of the most enigmatic icons in music history.
The High-Fashion Rise of Puma Sabti Curry
Puma Curry is no longer just "the girl in the background of Erykah’s TikToks." By age 21, she has carved out a space that is equal parts vocal powerhouse and fashion darling. Honestly, seeing her cover her mother's classic "Green Eyes" on TikTok was a "pull-over-the-car" moment for a lot of fans. The tone is there. The soul is there. But Puma isn't trying to be a carbon copy of the "On & On" singer.
Her father is the legendary West Coast rapper The D.O.C., and you can see that gritty, cool-kid energy in how she carries herself. In the last few years, we've seen her:
- Fronting Marni campaigns: She isn't just a "nepo baby" walking a runway; she’s becoming the face of luxury brands that value her specific, eclectic vibe.
- The 2023 Met Gala: Walking the red carpet with her mom was a literal passing of the torch.
- Musical experimentation: While she hasn't dropped a massive debut album yet, her features and social media covers suggest she’s waiting for the right moment rather than rushing for a quick hit.
The dynamic between Erykah and Puma is fascinating because it’s built on mutual respect. Badu has famously said that as Puma moves into her own adulthood, they "teach each other." It’s less about strict rules and more about spiritual guidance.
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Mars Merkaba: The Youngest Mystic
Then there’s Mars Merkaba Thedford. Born in 2009 to Badu and Jay Electronica, Mars is currently 16 and is the quietest of the bunch. But "quiet" doesn't mean "not talented." Badu has shared glimpses of Mars’ life that show a kid who is deeply into the arts—visual art, acting, and even playing the bass.
It’s kinda wild to think about the DNA at play here. When your dad is Jay Electronica, one of the most mysterious and lyrical rappers to ever touch a mic, and your mom is Erykah Badu, you’re basically born with a third eye. Mars represents the next phase of the Badu legacy—one that feels even more private and curated than the generations before her.
Why the "Badu Way" of Parenting Actually Works
Most people look at Erykah Badu and daughters and wonder how she manages to stay so close with all of them while also staying on great terms with their fathers. It’s the "Greatest Co-Parenting Strategy of All Time." Seriously.
Badu is close friends with André 3000, The D.O.C., and Jay Electronica. They celebrate birthdays together. They support each other's music. In a world where celebrity breakups are usually messy and filled with "sub-tweets," Badu created a village. She’s a practicing doula, for heaven's sake—the woman literally knows how to usher life into the world with peace. That same energy applies to how she’s raised her girls.
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"I wanted to give them special attention academically, to give them an advantage," Badu once said about homeschooling her kids early on.
She didn't just want them to be smart; she wanted them to be "nontraditional" problem solvers. That's why you don't see Puma or Mars behaving like typical Hollywood teenagers. There’s a certain weight to how they move.
2026: A New Era for the Family
As we move through 2026, the spotlight on the daughters is only getting brighter. With Erykah’s recent "Sankofa Sounds" album and her massive world tour, the kids are often right there in the wings or on stage.
Puma is reportedly leaning harder into her own recording career, potentially working with some of the same producers who helped her mom define the neo-soul genre. Meanwhile, Mars is navigating the high school years with a level of coolness that most of us could only dream of.
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Practical Takeaways from the Badu Family Dynamic
If you're looking at this family and wondering what the "secret sauce" is, it basically boils down to a few core things:
- Authenticity over Branding: The girls don't feel like they're being "managed." They feel like they're being allowed to grow.
- Creative Freedom: Whether it’s fashion, music, or just weird art projects, there is no "wrong" way to express yourself in their house.
- The Village Mentality: Keeping the fathers involved and respected creates a stable foundation that fame can’t shake.
If you want to keep up with what they're doing next, the best bet is honestly Erykah’s Instagram or Puma’s TikTok. They don't do traditional PR. They just live their lives, and we’re all just lucky enough to get a glimpse of the magic.
What to do next:
If you're inspired by the Badu family's approach to creativity, start by looking into the B.L.I.N.D. nonprofit (Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development). It’s the organization Erykah started in Dallas to support youth in the arts, and it’s a great way to see how these family values are being shared with the community. You should also check out Puma’s recent vocal covers to see exactly why the music world is waiting for her debut with bated breath.