NeoSoul

Neo-soul is a music genre that emerged in the United States during the late 1990s as a contemporary evolution of soul and R&B. It combines traditional soul and R&B with influences from jazz, funk, hip-hop, and gospel, resulting in a warm, groove-oriented sound driven by expressive vocal performances.

The term neo-soul was popularized by Kedar Massenburg, a Motown executive, as a label for a wave of artists who revived classic soul sensibilities while incorporating modern rhythms. The scene drew on late-1960s and 1970s soul traditions and often emphasized artistic authenticity over mainstream commercial formulas.

Musically, neo-soul is characterized by lush, organic production, sophisticated chord voicings, and a focus on vocal nuance. While it may incorporate hip-hop beats and samples, it tends to favor live instrumentation and mood over club-oriented hooks, with introspective or socially conscious lyrics common.

Prominent artists associated with neo-soul include Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Jill Scott, India.Arie, and Musiq Soulchild. The movement was linked to the Soulquarians collective and collaborations among artists such as Questlove and J Dilla. Landmark releases often cited as neo-soul touchstones include Baduizm (1997), Brown Sugar (1995), The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Urban Hang Suite (1996), and Acoustic Soul (2001).

The genre has been praised for revitalizing soulful vocal technique and expanding the sonic palette of R&B, influencing a generation of contemporary soul and alternative-sounding artists. Over time, the term has been used flexibly and criticized as a marketing label, reflecting ongoing debates about its boundaries and definition.