Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Video: Erykah Badu Made $3.60 Busking In Times Square


By

Jen Carlson

Published Oct 15, 2014

Modified Oct 15, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published Oct 15, 2014

Modified Oct 15, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

On October 10th at 8 p.m., Erykah Badu, not even donning a disguise, spent about 30 minutes singing on the streets of NYC, leaving her huge hat at her feet for people to toss change in to. The whole thing was (very poorly!) filmed on her phone, and in the video Badu explains, "I just always kind of wanted to see what it would be like to sing for money on the streets. So I'm gonna find a good place to stop and do it." She ended up at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, where she took in about $3.60 during that short time.

Badu also explained: "In no way is this video a reflection of my feelings about homeless or unfortunate families nor individuals who have no other means of survival in our world. Instead, this short film was shot with my iPhone and edited in iMovie for entertainment purposes only and serves as a personal 'hustle' experiment for me." [via Fader]

Tagged

busking

erykah badu

Times Square


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

'You Can See Everything' … as long as you go to Staten Island

Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes documentary has been selling out across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Tickets to see the film, however, are very much available in other boroughs.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 27, 2026


Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Arts & Entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

By

James Ramsay

A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .