Tag: Spotify Anniversaries

Erykah Badu Marks 25 Years of ‘Mama’s Gun’ With Special ‘Spotify Anniversary’ Episode

November 19, 2025

Twenty-five years ago, Erykah Badu released Mama’s Gun, blending visionary artistry, genre-defying sound, and soulful storytelling to leave a lasting mark on R&B and modern music. Now, a quarter-century later, we’re celebrating this iconic record with a special Spotify Anniversary episode that invites fans to experience the music in a whole new way.

Filmed at Spotify Studios in Los Angeles, the episode features Erykah alongside bassist Thundercat as they perform reimagined show-stopping versions of Mama’s Gun highlights. Tracks include “Penitentiary Philosophy,” “…& On,” and “Time’s A Wastin,” with Erykah delivering a soulful, dynamic set that channels the same energy that made the album beloved by fans.

Between songs, Erykah reunites with members of her original band, shares intimate reflections and untold stories about the making of a classic, and sits down for a candid conversation with producer and MC DJ Quik.

Spotify Anniversaries celebrates iconic albums and artists reaching a musical milestone. Along with a special performance, they offer up untold stories and reflect on their music’s legacy, giving new life to their body of work. Episodes feature new renditions of beloved tracks, with accompanying EPs available exclusively on Spotify.

Watch Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun 25th Anniversary episode now on Spotify.

Celebrate the Anniversaries of Shakira’s Landmark Albums With Spotify-Exclusive EP and Video Special

October 22, 2025

In 1995, a young Colombian artist released an album that would change Latin pop music forever. Shakira’s Pies Descalzos was a hit, introducing the world to her expressive lyrics, infectious rhythms, and unmistakable voice. A decade later, she followed it up with Oral Fixation (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2), compilation albums that cemented her place as a global superstar and delivered chart-topping tracks that still get fans moving today.

To mark the 30th anniversary of Pies Descalzos and the 20th anniversary of Oral Fixation, Spotify and Shakira are bringing fans an exclusive live EP and performance video special that revisits the music that has defined her career, featuring electrifying live performances and moments of intimate storytelling.

The special is part of Spotify Anniversaries, a series where artists reflect on, discuss the impact of, and share untold stories about the making of landmark albums. Each episode features new renditions of beloved tracks, with accompanying EPs available exclusively on Spotify. Past episodes have featured Christina Aguilera‘s self-titled debut album and Weezer’s The Blue Album.

The latest anniversary special breathes new life into the music Shakira’s fans know and love, including the global smash “Hips Don’t Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean).” Alongside special guests Ed Sheeran and Beéle, and a 14-piece string ensemble, she delivers an unforgettable tribute to some of her greatest hits.

It’s a fitting celebration for albums that have stood the test of time. Even decades after their release, Pies Descalzos and Oral Fixation continue to resonate with listeners. Together, they’ve racked up more than 6.1 billion global streams on Spotify. 

More than 50% of Oral Fixation streams come from listeners under 30, while nearly half of Pies Descalzos streams are from listeners 30 to 44, a clear reflection of how Shakira’s music bridges generations. And while fans around the world are pressing play, listeners are streaming Shakira in Mexico more than anywhere else.

Check out Shakira’s new EP and her episode of Spotify Anniversaries, available now on Spotify.

Revisit Some of Music’s Most Iconic Hits With Our ‘Spotify Anniversaries’ Video Series

October 15, 2024

Music serves as a powerful memory booster, and Spotify recently introduced a new video series that revisits top albums from some of the industry’s biggest luminaries in a compelling new way. 

In Spotify Anniversaries, artists reflect on, discuss the impact of, and share untold stories about the making of landmark albums. The episodes also feature the artists performing new renditions of beloved tracks. Accompanying EPs of those new tracks are found exclusively on Spotify.

“It’s a celebration not only of the projects, but also the growth of each artist as they revisit their classics,” shared Sarah Patellos, Head of Spotify Music Studios.

Pop icon Christina Aguilera is the latest to be featured and marks the 25th anniversary of her self-titled debut album. Filmed at Spotify’s Mateo studios in Los Angeles, the episode includes reimagined and unplugged versions of six hits from the album. Sabrina Carpenter joins Christina for “What a Girl Wants,” and mgk shows off his guitar skills on “Genie In a Bottle.”

 

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Fans who aren’t yet ready to relinquish their nostalgia can find Spotify Anniversaries episodes celebrating the 30th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album and the 10th anniversary of Isaiah Rashad’s Cilvia Demo.

 

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Sit back, relax, and tune in to all three EPs below.