What happens when a four-time Grammy winner doubles as a New York City busker? Not much. Singer-songwriter Erykah Badu recorded a strange experiment on Friday, Oct. 10, singing next to Bryant Park in Manhattan.
“I just kinda always wanted to see what it would be like to sing for money on the streets,” the 43-year-old artist said in her video. “So I’m going to find a good place to stop and do it.”
Taking off her signature hat in order to blend in, the “Window Seat” singer began loudly singing, “Please sir, give me some money! Sister, I need some money. Haven’t sold a record in about two years. Haven’t sold a record in about two years. Bitch needs some money. I don’t wanna get no real job, I just wanna be out here, selling my songs!”
Not surprisingly, New Yorkers and tourists alike didn’t seem particularly inclined to dole out their money to the singer, who occasionally followed passersby, shoving her hat in their faces.
After less than 10 minutes of performing, Badu counted up her loot, which totaled $3.60.
“Look at all this money,” she declared. “See, if you’ve got some initiative you can make money. All you have to do is have initiative and a little talent.”
This isn’t the first time Badu’s bizarre NYC antics have been captured on camera. Back in June, she moved in to kiss PIX 11 newscaster Mario Diaz in the middle of his on-camera shot. Caught off guard, Diaz shoved the star back, later apologizing on Twitter.
Watch the clip of Badu performing above!
