Transit riders in Dallas are in for an unexpected treat courtesy of their local transportation authority and homegrown talent, Erykah Badu — the Grammy-winning artist is collaborating with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to bring a splash of soul to the daily commute. The partnership, which includes putting Badu's inspired artwork on buses and rails, kicks off with a chance for fans to nab VIP access to the singer's birthday bash in February, according to FOX 4 News.
In what's been billed as a yearlong love letter to North Texas, DART is letting a few lucky contest winners be among the first to see the new transit designs starring the Queen of Neo-Soul, images of her will be displayed on DART vehicles, in a move that will surely turn heads and no doubt liven up the commutes. The promotion is already underway, with entry open until Feb. 10, where riders can enter through DART's website, as well as radio stations 97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5, as reported by NBC DFW.
DART's exciting collaboration with Badu isn't just about decking out transit in art — it's about celebrating the culture and people of Dallas. "DART is thrilled to partner with Erykah Badu for our yearlong collaboration celebrating all that North Texas has to offer," DART president and CEO Nadine Lee said, noting how Badu's impact extends beyond music to her considerable influence in the community, per NBC DFW.
Badu herself seems as jazzed about the partnership as her fans likely will be, she stated "Collabing with DART has been fun - new for me and new for them," and she went on to affirm her down-to-earth connection with the locale she loves saying "I love my hometown and riding DART is still cool." The winners of the sweepstakes will bask in the glow of the neo-soul icon's birthday festivities on Feb. 24, rubbing shoulders with the "Bag Lady" singer herself in a VIP section, complete with exclusive perks and witnessing firsthand the unveiling of the Badu Bus and Rail designs, the unveiling is expected to add flair to the daily hustle of city commuters for the foreseeable future, as per NBC DFW.
