Anita Baker is back in the studio. The R&B icon shared a new video on Twitter on Monday night (Jan. 9) that confirms she is working on new music or at least perfecting unreleased tracks.
In the minute-long video, Baker tapes a studio mixing console with audio of “Unconditionally Yours,” a piano-driven song teased in late 2012.
She giggles towards its end to a studio associate, saying, “That’s it. We got the right frequency.”
“Unconditionally Yours” is reportedly produced by The Underdogs and was meant to appear on her comeback album, Only Forever, slated to first release in 2012 and then in 2013.
The album’s first single, “Lately,” a cover of Tyrese’s 1999 song, broke a debut record on R&B radio (formerly urban adult contemporary radio) and went No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. It also was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Baker had retired from the music industry in January 2017. “Lotta rumors out there. No Tour. No CD. #Retired🎁 #BeachBum❤ #ThankUJesus,” she wrote in a caption.
Lotta rumours out there. No Tour. No CD. #Retired🎁 #BeachBum❤ #ThankUJesus😆 pic.twitter.com/Lkmz5rXiPd
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) January 12, 2017
Her most recent post, which includes “Unconditionally Yours,” indicates that she’s found inspiration to record again, courtesy of other Black women, Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, who’ve blazed a trail in music.
“sO many Amazing Gifts, from Ms. Sarah, Ms. Patti. Queen Aretha, and my 80s Contemporarys, to Innovators, like Missy Elliot & Lady B. SO many influence me, to keep creating my own little, Miracles of Music🎼 Gratefully, ABXO,” Baker wrote in a caption.
Leading up to this post, she saluted respected Black women in music, including Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige.
Each Generation. Supporting and Uplifting Each Other. Creating, *Community & Miracles, of Music🎁🎉🎈 pic.twitter.com/x8iJ5TGjx9
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) January 8, 2023
Speaking of the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Baker and Blige recorded a collaboration in June 2013.
Baker confirmed their unreleased duet the following year when she celebrated Blige’s 43rd birthday online.
“Happy BDay, Have it Your Way ALL Day! can’t wait 4 our fans to hear the New Song we’ve Produced. Hugs Love & Light 🙂 ab,” she wrote.
@maryjblige “Happy BDay, Have it Your Way ALL Day!” can’t wait 4 our fans to hear the New Song we’ve Produced. Hugs Love & Light 🙂 ab
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) January 11, 2014
Baker returning to the studio doesn’t come as a shock. In 2021, she gained ownership of her masters thanks to rapper Chance the Rapper. It was then she gave clearance to fans to once again buy and stream her music.
She also hinted at a partnership with Rhino that includes an expansive box set along with vinyl and digital tributes.
Beginning Feb. 11, Baker is headlining a tour to coincide with the 40th anniversary of her debut album, The Songstress, which was released May 31, 1983.
Babyface will support the 15-city tour, kicking off in Hollywood, Florida, at Hard Rock Live.
Baker will perform music from her iconic catalog and introduce new music.
“Looking forward to some crazy, lovely, hang time with my fans, on tour in 2023!! Gonna, bring some new music and some special guests, too,” says Baker.
Preview Anita Baker’s new song “Unconditionally Yours” below.
sO many Amazing Gifts, from Ms. Sarah, Ms. Patti. Queen Aretha, and my 80s Contemporarys, to Innovators, like Missy Elliot & Lady B. SO many influence me, to keep creating my own little, Miracles of Music🎼
Gratefully,
ABXO❤️ pic.twitter.com/5PCBxEBKqb— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) January 10, 2023
