What is Neo Soul?
Neo soul, a genre that seamlessly blends the timeless essence of soul with contemporary R&B, has been a beacon of creativity in the music industry since its emergence in the 1980s. This unique blend of genres—funk, jazz fusion, hip hop, pop, rock, and electronic music—has created a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with listeners.
The Genesis of Neo Soul
Developed as a soul revival movement among Black-Americans in the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s, neo soul was not just about reviving old sounds but also about pushing boundaries. Artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill were at the forefront of this revival, challenging musical orthodoxy with their innovative approach.
Key Influences
The term ‘neo soul’ was coined by music writer Peter Shapiro to describe a style influenced by older R&B styles and bohemian musicians seeking a soul revival. Pioneers like Tony! Toni! Toné!, Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, Prince, Sade, Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler, The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai, Lisa Stansfield, Young Disciples, Omar Lye-Fook, and Me’Shell NdegéOcello laid the groundwork for this genre.
Commercial Success
The 1990s saw neo soul artists achieving mainstream success. Albums like D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite, Erykah Badu’s Baduizm, and Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill not only shaped the commercial visibility of neo soul but also influenced contemporary R&B acts like R. Kelly and Aaliyah.
The Decline and Resurgence
Despite its initial success, neo soul faced a decline in the 2000s as many artists struggled to maintain their creative momentum after mainstream success. However, this period also saw new artists emerging, such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Cee-Lo Green, who continued to push the boundaries of the genre.
Neo Soul in the 2010s
The 2010s brought a resurgence of neo soul with artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill returning from hiatuses. Albums such as D’Angelo’s Voodoo, Badu’s New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), and Bilal’s Airtight’s Revenge were celebrated for their innovative soundscapes.
International Influence
In the 2010s, neo soul expanded musically through international artists. Popular acts like Steve Lacy, Mahalia, Adrian Daniel, VanJess, Donovan, Ari Lennox, Marco McKinnis, Baby Rose, Kyle Dion, Lucky Daye, and Iman Omari continued to push the genre forward.
Conclusion
Neo soul has evolved from a revival movement in the 1980s to a global phenomenon that continues to redefine black pop. Its rich history and diverse influences make it a genre that is both timeless and ever-evolving, always ready to surprise us with its next big sound.
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This page is based on the article Neo soul published in Wikipedia (retrieved on March 6, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
