Anita Baker -- famous for her 80s hit song "Sweet Love" -- is now a wanted woman in Detroit ... after an arrest warrant was issued for the Grammy-winning singer.

According to court records, the bench warrant was issued yesterday after the singer failed to show up to court for a hearing in her current legal battle with a paint and decorating company.

Ray Smith Painting and Decorating has sued Baker, claiming she owes the company $15,000 for services it performed inside her giant Grosse Pointe home -- and so far, she still hasn't anted up.

We reached out to Anita's camp for comment -- so far, no word back