Erykah Badu’s debut single “On & On” is a signature song of the Neo Soul era and displayed a Billie Holiday influence in her vocal style. The gold single peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and UK Singles charts. The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1998.

Like many other figures in 90s hip-hop, Erykah explored the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the Five Percent Nation), referencing the group’s theology of Supreme Mathematics.

The lyrical and melodic themes of “On & On” were continued on the track “…& On” on her follow-up album, Mama’s Gun.