Ella Feingold Amplifies Erykah Badu’s Iconic Mantra

Ella Feingold Shares Her Sister’s Wisdom

Ella Feingold, the musician and model known for her vibrant artistry and outspoken advocacy, has turned to family inspiration in her latest Instagram update. On June 5, she posted a striking graphic featuring the words “They can kill you, but they can’t live you,” a powerful line from her sister, soul icon Erykah Badu. Simply captioned “My sister Erykah said it best,” the image showcases bold, hand-lettered typography in neon hues against a dark backdrop—a visual reflection of the quote’s urgent message.

The post quickly drew praise from fans and fellow artists alike. Within hours, admirers flooded the comments with heart emojis and raised-fist symbols, thanking Feingold for shining a spotlight on Badu’s enduring wisdom. The phrase, first uttered by Badu during a 2000 concert, has since become a rallying cry for self-determination, resilience, and authenticity—values both sisters embody in their work.

A Look Back At Feingold’s Creative Journey

This isn’t Feingold’s first social-media moment driven by personal expression. In early May, she shared behind-the-scenes shots from Alan Evans’ Nashville studio, documenting her DIY approach to songwriting. In that carousel post, Feingold wrote, “I’m Cheesing right now! At Alan Evans studio dumping these cassettes and mixing all this music that I’ve been creating on the Tascam the last month. I was a little treat to myself I bought a Hagstrom guitar. Always wanted one. It’s coming in the mail soon.” The candid photos of her tinkering with a four-track recorder and brand-new guitar offered fans a rare glimpse into the meticulous process behind her debut EP, slated for release later this year.

That same month, she paid tribute to one of her musical heroes, posting a black-and-white portrait of Jeff Buckley with the simple hashtag #jeffbuckley. And in March, she proudly displayed fan-made parcels from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic crew, celebrating her run-in with Grammy glory despite a bout of Covid that left her bedridden.

Throughout these milestones, the thread that binds them is Feingold’s commitment to authenticity—whether mixing analog tapes at home, honoring musical influences, or lifting up sisterly solidarity. By echoing Badu’s maxim now, she underscores a lifelong dedication to speaking truth to power, on stage and off.

Feingold’s relationship with Badu extends beyond genetics: the two share a creative kinship that spans songwriting sessions, backstage pep talks, and philanthropic efforts for transgender visibility. In interviews, Feingold has credited Badu with helping her navigate the music industry and embrace her identity in full. “She reminds me I belong,” Feingold told Vogue in 2023. “Whenever doubt creeps in, I hear her voice: ‘They can kill you, but they can’t live you.’ That keeps me moving.”

Fans are now speculating that Feingold may debut a music video or a spoken-word piece built around this mantra. For now, the Instagram post stands as a testament to the sisters’ shared mission: to empower listeners with art that heals, challenges, and unites.

Ella Feingold’s decision to amplify Erykah Badu’s words in a bold visual statement cements her status not only as a rising talent, but as a custodian of her sister’s legendary legacy. Through that single line of text, she invites us all to choose life—on our own terms, regardless of the barriers we face.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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