Durand Bernarr is an American R&B singer and songwriter who has worked extensively as a backing singer for Erykah Badu in addition to his solo career. ∙ Influenced by the music of such performers as Little Richard, Rick James, and Kirk Franklin, Bernarr began posting online his covers of other artists’ songs in 2008. ∙ His 2010 mixtape 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu attracted the attention of Badu herself, who was so impressed by his renditions of her songs that she hired him as a backing vocalist. ∙ Bernarr released his debut album, the holiday-themed Extra Stankin’ Christmas, in 2012. ∙ He wrote and guested on “Freefall,” a track from KAYTRANADA’s hit 2019 album Bubba. ∙ In 2019, he finished among the top three contestants on the TV reality singing competition The Next Big Thing. ∙ His second album, the acclaimed Dur&, was released in 2020.