Badu stated the album was inspired by her roots, stating that during the recording process she was embracing her culture and African roots, particularly turbans and African drums. After the album was recorded and ready to be released, Badu persuaded the label to let her go back to Philadelphia in order to record "Otherside of the Game" and "Sometimes", which were originally demos from a meeting with the band The Roots, whom she had met following her record deal. During the short stint in Philadelphia, Badu and The Roots came up with various songs, while "Sometimes" was originally written for Black Thought to rap on. The only songs recorded during the sessions produced in Philadelphia to appear on this album are "Otherside of the Game" and "Sometimes," while the other songs from the sessions were planned.