Getting to Know Erykah Badu’s Three Kids: Seven, Puma, and Mars

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Erykah Badu’s experience as a mother significantly shapes her life. The singer-songwriter balances raising her three children—son Seven, age 28, and daughters Puma, 21, and Mars, 17—with her career. In addition to her parenting role, Badu works as a doula and has assisted in the births of children belonging to prominent friends, including Teyana Taylor’s second child. Badu’s own children were welcomed into the world through home births, with the artist famously live-tweeting her youngest’s arrival.

In interviews, Badu has candidly discussed her parenting philosophy, emphasizing her active involvement in her children’s education. Each child has a different father, but Badu describes her family as a close-knit unit. “I’m nowhere near a single mom,” she stated in a 2016 interview with The New Yorker, offering insight into her collaborative parenting dynamic.

Badu reflects on her children’s distinct personalities, stating, “they’re all different.” The youngest, Mars, is a gymnast, while Puma, her middle child, embodies Badu’s spirit. Seven, her eldest, shares characteristics with his father, legendary hip-hop artist Andre 3000.

Regarding her children’s potential careers in music, Badu has expressed unconditional support for their choices. “They don’t have to be little me’s. They can do whatever they want. I’m just grateful that they support me while I do this,” she noted.

### Seven, 28

Puma Curry Instagram

Seven Sirius Benjamin was born on November 18, 1997, in Dallas, Texas, to Erykah Badu and famed rapper Andre Benjamin, widely known as Andre 3000. Like his parents, he possesses natural musical talent. Badu has shared that Seven practices guitar with her and plays upright bass in school orchestra. He took piano lessons for four years and has been recognized for his musical abilities. Badu recalled in 2008, “He probably has the same eclectic tastes that his father has.”

Concerned for his early education, Badu chose to homeschool Seven initially, expressing a desire to provide him with individualized attention. Her efforts paid off; Seven emerged as one of the top students in his Dallas school and was accepted into multiple colleges in 2016.

While he prefers to maintain a low profile and does not actively use social media, Seven sometimes appears in posts shared by his parents.

### Puma, 21

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Puma Sabti Curry was born on July 5, 2004, in Dallas, Texas. She is the daughter of rapper Tracy Lynn Curry, known as The D.O.C. Badu expressed that Puma’s name carries more significance than a mere association with athletic branding, emphasizing its natural essence.

Puma has also embraced musical pursuits, performing a heartfelt cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” for Badu’s 47th birthday, which the singer later shared on social media. Additionally, Puma has collaborated with her mother in modeling, as seen in a photoshoot for Vogue Mexico, for which Badu served as artistic director.

With a vibrant presence on social media, Puma often showcases her talents and personality. She attended her first Met Gala with her mother in May 2023, marking a notable moment in her burgeoning career.

### Mars, 17

Erykah Badu Instagram

Mars Merkaba was born on February 1, 2009, in Dallas, Texas, to rapper Jay Electronica, whose real name is Elpadaro F. Electronica Allah. Badu made headlines by live-tweeting Mars’ birth, recalling that Questlove of The Roots challenged her to use Twitter during labor, to which she responded, “I bet I will.”

After her daughter’s birth, Badu shared a poignant tweet describing the connection she felt: “Her eyes are looking right into mine. She struggles to focus. I wonder where she just came from. I mean…her spirit.”

While Mars does not have an active social media presence herself, glimpses of her life appear on her parents’ accounts. Badu has publicly celebrated her youngest child, acknowledging her artistic talents and character traits in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

Though it remains uncertain if Mars will pursue a career in entertainment, Badu has integrated music into her life from a young age. The bond between mother and daughter is evident, as showcased in videos of them singing together.