Next Lifetime

"Next Lifetime" is a song recorded by American singer Erykah Badu for her debut studio album Baduizm (1997). It was written by Badu and Anthony Scott. A mid-tempo ballad, the song describes being in a relationship but longing for another man. At the start of the song, Badu is heard talking to a man about how they can't be together even though they both have feelings for one another.

"Next Lifetime"
European editions cover
Single by Erykah Badu
from the album Baduizm
A-side	"On & On"
Released	June 2, 1997
Recorded	1996
Studio	Battery Studios (New York, NY)[1]
Genre	R&B neo soul
Length	6:27
Label	Kedar Universal
Songwriter(s)	Erykah Badu Anthony Scott
Producer(s)	Tone the Backbone
Erykah Badu singles chronology
"On & On" (1997) "Next Lifetime" (1997) "Otherside of the Game" (1997)
Alternative cover
Japanese edition cover
Music video
"Next Lifetime" on YouTube

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Next Lifetime" starts with the title "a story by Erykah Badu". It then shows Badu and the man she longs for in three different time frames–or "lifetimes"–including "Motherland, 1637 A.D.", "The Movement, 1968" and "Motherland, 3037". Pete Rock, Method Man and Badu's then-boyfriend André 3000 all appeared in the video. The video was directed by Troy Smith.

Track listings and formats

UK 12-inch vinyl[2] "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30 "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45 "Next Lifetime" (live) – 10:57 "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15 "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30 UK cassette and European CD single[3] "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15 "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45

UK maxi CD single[4] "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15 "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30 "Next Lifetime" (Linslee Remix) – 4:45 "Next Lifetime" (live) – 10:57 "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30 Japanese maxi CD single[5] "Next Lifetime" (album version) – 6:30 "Next Lifetime" (radio edit) – 4:15 "Next Lifetime" (instrumental) – 6:30 "On & On" (dance mix) – 3:50

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Next Lifetime"

Chart (1997)	Peak position
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[6]	100
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[7]	40
Scotland (OCC)[8]	71
UK Singles (OCC)[9]	30
UK Dance (OCC)[10]	17
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[11]	5
US Radio Songs (Billboard)[12]	61
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[13]	1
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[14]	1

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Next Lifetime"

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
United Kingdom	June 2, 1997	12-inch vinyl cassette maxi CD	Kedar Universal	[15]
Japan	June 21, 1997	Maxi CD[a]	MCA	[5]

Notes

1. In Japan, "Next Lifetime" was released as a double A-side single with "On & On".