Why 'Neo Soul' Ended - Here's Why

www.hypeplustv.com/ - In the mid-90s a genre would emerge known as Neo Soul, this style of music would help push artist like Jill Scott, D'angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, Bilal, Lauryn Hill, Q Tip, Music Soul Child, and more to the forefront. Despite its national success, the art form has quietly disappeared. For this episode of 'Here's Why' we reveal why. Instagram: @ComedyHype & Twitter: @ComedyHype_

[@MrTee12]

Neo Soul is timeless quality music!!! The radio and labels don't push because it's too positive.... Black Love it takes a Backseat to Black Self Hate... Unfortunately 😒

[@434Saibot]

This comment!

[@DannyTruthMagnified]

Same reason conscious and positive hip hop was abandoned by the major labels and mainstream radio.

[@KrisBryant99]

To be honest, Neo Soul was kinda boring and kind of thrived because so many others wanted a piece of the genre.

[@ADyani6]

💯🎯

[@PBTexasBoy]

I don’t think it’s too positive, it’s just too slow for radio. A lot of it can be kinda sad. I like it, but it has its place. Something to “vibe” to alone or with your partner.

[@GoldenGraham25]

I never felt like Neo-Soul went away. Instead of it having more of a jazzy feel, it adapted more to hip-hop/R&B/ Alternative throughout the years (HER, Ari Lennox, Jazmine Sullivan, The Internet, Sir, The Foreign Exchange/Phonte, Anthony David, PJ Morton, Raheem Devaughn, Dwele, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosia, Musiq Soulchild, GALANT, and etc).

[@johnrose1908]

Conya Doss, Algebra Blessett, N'Dambi, Javier, Rahsaan Patterson, Amel Larrieux, Avery Sunshine, V (check him out, he sang backup for Jill Scott), Saunders Sermons, Kindred the Family Soul… Good music is good music.

[@lccdavis2023]

And I totally agree. It's not dead, and it didn't end. There are still innumerable artists doing Soul Music. They're just not promoted as well by the machine (aka the Industry) or as popular with younger generations. But, it's still around.

[@macturtle4904]

Exactly

[@macturtle4904]

I would even say Kendrick Lamar & Anderson.Paak as a solo artist carries that flag lil bit. We can’t Forget Angie Stone , and India arie & Andrea Martin ( Rip) God bless her soul ! Leela James ,Bilal , Anthony Hamilton Carries that Flag Also ! Rafael Sadiqq from Toni Toni Tone , Vivian Green , Chrisette Michelle , Carrie’s that Flag and Others .

[@Incredible_Geez]

​@@lccdavis2023Yeah but they say the samething about hiphop and when we say HIPHOP IS A CULTURE AND CANNOT DIE they act like we're crazy...We have to be careful not to let them people ERASE our Culture.....anything they can't take over and control they will DESTROY...

[@nehsangbong7259]

90s to early 2000s was an era I'll never forget

[@Leo6933]

And it was good music in all genres too, miss those days for sure.

[@Wonderwoman79G]

💯

[@ejakaegypt]

I’m grateful to have been a part of it

[@Gemgirl05]

💯💯😭😭! Neo soul music and other genres of music at its finest🎧😎

[@mbalenhlebuthelezi3198]

Too lit!!!

[@jewelofaries]

Neo Soul was out wayyyy before D'Angelo and Erykah. What Sade, the Brand New Heavies and Tony Toni Tone, were doing laid the foundation for Neo Soul. Even MeShelle Ndegeocello's "Plantation Lullabies" was a Neo Soul bible. And Tony Toni Tone's "Sons of Soul," WICKED, WICKED maun !! That album was 🔥 "D'Angelo and Erykah just popularized it and Kedar gave the sound a name. I was so fascinated with it, I wrote a paper about it in college. It's one of my favorite genre's next to 70's Soul and the Sophisticated Soul era of the mid 80's to early 90's. Come on back y'all. WE NEED YOU !!

[@sunnydaysatl]

You forgot Loose Ends

[@06alwilliams]

Salute fam I’d love to read that paper if possible

[@Blacksonaudio]

NeoSoul vs the other artist… Neo soul was very heavy on electric pianos and organs and 9th chord progressions. Those other artist had a vibe especially the Heavies! Sade has her own sound that her and her husband created, wouldn’t call it Neo soul maybe Neo Jazz

[@rogerblewett5595]

Neo soul was such a great art form of black love and music.. all of those groups you named all the way up to the late 90's and early 2000's with groups like Soul 2 Soul, Zhane, Floetry, The Roots, Jill Scott, Music Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton,. Erykah Badu, D'angelo, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Heather Hedley and so on.. I would even say Alicia Keys when she first came out..

[@jewelofaries]

@@sunnydaysatl Yes, I did. Thank you for reminding me🙂

[@SOULarLioness]

This era ain't nowhere near ENDED. Maybe it's not in mainstream demand and exposure anymore, but it's still alive and well ❤

[@MsGechi77]

Thank you 🧡 Just watched Lauryn Hill & The Fugees headline the The Global Citizens Concert in NY

[@mystroent]

IF neo-soul died right....WTF do we call these songs : H.E.R. - Comfortable The Internet - Hold on Daniel Ceasar - Get You Tara Carosielli - Resistance Victoria Monét - Moment Mac Ayres - Next to You / Sunny & 62 FKJ feat. ( O ) - Vibin' Out Raveena - Nectar Slakah the Beatchild - Soulful Escape Anderson Paak - Reachin' 2 Much Alex Isley, Masego & Jack Dine - Good & Plenty

[@charmaineharris3986]

Give me some artist Apple Music is very mainstream

[@thegodfather3022]

exactly

[@Guardist]

Hiatus Kaiyote

[@MsGemini777]

Don’t forget Kem cause “ When love calls” is my shit.

[@courtneypalmer53]

Oh yes 😩 I remember that groove! 😍

[@bun223]

Amen!

[@feeeny]

Angie Stone was a leading voice of Neo Soul, too! ❤

[@HoneyHoneyBaby]

Facts 💯 Also Chico DeBarge and Joe 🎤

[@ayorell1805]

They always leave her out SMH

[@marcusfairley4637]

She was early with it 2

[@marcush5453]

I agree that Angie Stone is an phenomenal artist. I wouldn't say leading though.

[@tinaslaughter5293]

I would put Meshell Ndegcello on that list as well.

[@ginaalexandra_]

Maxwell, Bilal, Erykah Badu, Goapele, Amiel, Jill, Ledisi, Lauryn, Dwele, MSChild, Vivian and the list goes on ♥

[@yardee007]

Goapele was so good....her jam " Closer ' ❤️💯💥

[@viralbuthow000]

Les Nubians

[@Polostar79]

Floetry too

[@ginaalexandra_]

@@Polostar79 The list goes on...Great music 🎶

[@ginaalexandra_]

Hey! Leela dropped a few new songs

[@Acceber8701]

Neo Soul is still alive. It lives on in artists like Ari Lennox, Jill Scott, Kem, and Ledisi. Its unfortunate thst they rarely get the marketing and notority that less soulful artists get. We just have to make a better effort at supporting all of the great Neo Soul artists that are still out there.

[@tymxeluv5068]

Werd

[@tatertots0046]

Solange

[@dejonjoseph11]

Truthfully Meshell Ndegeocello Was The First " Neo Soul " Artist Outside Your Door Was Down Played and Later Stolen And Deemed A Hit When It Was Used By Brian Mc Knight For " Do I Ever Cross Your Mind " Meshell Deserves Her Credit

[@StruggleReviewzTV]

MeShell is rarely mentioned and unfortunately left out of the conversation because she was overshadowed by bigger artist but she was tearing up every album & soundtrack! 🖤

[@lccdavis2023]

I knew I wasn't trippin' when I realized Brian McKnight's music for that song sounded just like "Outside Your Door" by Meshell Ndegeochello. Glad to know someone else noticed.

[@Incredible_Geez]

She was good...but Angie Stone was 1st

[@checkmateforever]

Her song "Dreadlocks" is one of my favorites.

[@larrywoodland1332]

Yes Meshell Ndegeocello was the first neosoul artist and she is often left out of the conversation which is a problem

[@ReginaDavid829]

Neo soul is classic for me! I will never stop listening to this style of music

[@marsayataylor2371]

In the 90s, I was a straight up hip-hop head all day. Met a lady in 98. She got pregnant in 2001. From the 90s all the way up to 2001 I was working taking care of the family. My mindset change from hip-hop to something that makes sense. I started listening to Ne-Yo soul. From Kendrick India Arie Jill Scott Angie Stone, etc. etc. etc. Opened my mind up to something different about our people about ourselves about the importance of self-love and loving other people. It was cool it was free. It was a breath of fresh air. This will never go away. me and my wife got married in 06 we went from Neo soul to Lovin jazz music. Until she left me last year. But every time I think of Neo soul and jazz, I still think of her and our life together and family.

[@seanmontague8880]

My condolences 😢

[@williamriley5118]

Philadelphia had a really huge Neo-Soul following thanks to The Roots, Kindred, Jill Scott and Music Soulchild.

[@SLa-pb1gg]

Yes! I live in Philly and Im so proud of the impact we had on NeoSoul. Musiq, Jill, Jazzy Jeff, Bilal, Kindred, The Roots. So many other artists not from Philly like John Legend, Erykah, Floetry came here and worked with Touch of Jazz, that’s Jazzy Jeff’s production and studio here in Philly

[@empowerment_007]

Facts, Philly artists brought me thru my teenage years. Much love and respect from SC 💯

[@SLa-pb1gg]

@@empowerment_007 oh wow, that’s awesome. Much love 🤎

[@blaxpoitation8528]

I lived in the tri-state area (NY) and Philly had a huge caché of talented Neo-Soul artists. Man I miss those days

[@user-vf2fq9jm4q]

@@SLa-pb1gg Oooooo, I love Floetry!

[@janayarroyo22]

I still listen to Ledisi Jill Scott Glenn Lewis Floetry and Eric Roberson. ❤

[@gmarie598]

Neo Soul will always be my #1 choice, the 90s was a beautiful time to be alive. I'll never forget the 1st time I heard Erykah Badu ❤

[@InfamousKillah26]

Lets not forget about Dwele, Conya Doss, Glenn Lewis, Ledisi, Gordan Chambers, Javier, Vivian Green

[@jaydaksy4094]

Floetry and everyone always forgets Angie

[@nazb33]

People don't realise they let go of such a great genre of music. Music back then was silky smooth, it was too grown up for the majority. I'll always listen and love it. I feel it'll come back but more grittier, because of what's happening in the mid-East. Great video upload brother as always 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@meneedmoney]

Huh mid East?

[@nazb33]

@@meneedmoney I meant to say the Middle East. As it normally goes, war time and just after wars are the times where great singers and songwriters come, whichever hemisphere one is in. This is my personal experience of how I've seen music become presented.

[@thornyback]

I listen to Neo Soul on the daily, it is my favorite genre of music and apparently I'm not the only one. I feel like such a hot influencer with whole 28 followers on my RnB NeoSoul Favorites Spotify playlist lol

[@meneedmoney]

@@nazb33 ahh ok interesting view I can see thst

[@jeromejenkins151]

​@@nazb33I think you're conflating the Vietnam War with the civil rights movement. Music doesn't become more in depth and soulful because of War it becomes more in depth and soulful because of oppression. Jim Crow spawned the Blues. The fight for Civil Rights spawned the Motown Sound. The Harlem Renaissance started the Jazz explosion and the Harlem Renaissance came as a response to oppression. War in other countries has absolutely nil to do with black music and everything to do with the level of adversity we face in America. If music becomes more soulful again it'll be the result of our current economic oppression and will have absolutely nothing to do with the war in other countries. Although I will admit that the mainstream will probably paint it that way to get folks to ignore our current economic disaster and focus on the wars currently happening. But I personally won't fall for the red herring. A war in Israel doesn't have the same affect on music as rent being 2000 dollars a month in the ghetto.

[@keithevans2722]

Neo soul never went away,Robert Glasper,Jose James,Moon Child,Anderson.Paak,The Internet,Thundercat,Common still doing, Myself I believe everything has its time,no matter how good it is it will eventually fade away,There was no powerful movement than psychedelic 60s but it faded away,Rock was so powerful nobody thought it will go away by the 2020s it is on life support,just waiting to be pronounced dead,Jazz a pure black art form is been dead for years,and HipHop is on its senescence age,10 years from now we will start to see videos like this,what killed hip-hop?

[@TheRealDJTabone]

None of whom get more than one spin a week on "URBAN" formats. THERE IS NO URBAN COMMERCIAL FORMAT PROGRAMMING ANY OF THE ARTISTS YOU MENTIONED. NOT EVEN ON SATELLITE RADIO. Saddiq & Issa Rae & Joe Kay & Dj Tabone in ATL MIGHT BE THE ONLY TRUE PIONEERS OF MODERN URBAN FM RADIO READY RAW SOUL VIBES.

[@rogerblewett5595]

Nah true hip-hop been dead fam.. every now and then you'll hear some great stuff from one of the legends like Nas but truthfully it hasn't been the same since the early 2000's

[@dawb86]

@@rogerblewett5595 Just sounds like you have a jaded perspective, bro. That, too lazy to dig for the gold, or just holding on to wanting the music to sound like it did back in '95. Don't get mad at my words, I literally used to be the same way until I realized there's nothing wrong with things evolving and changing a bit. Either way, there's still plenty of great hip hop, R&B, jazz, blues, you name it, artists out there. I could easily give u a quick twenty names list of dope acts doing their thing in this modern era.....

[@BronsonAlive]

Modern hip hop is pure trash.

[@marcusfairley4637]

Ari Lennox

[@oracle478]

Social media and KZbin killed music in general, it made everything so accessible that it's specialness is gone from it. We used to have to catch a song when it played on TV or radio, which made it special because it was attached to a memory and a feeling, that aspect is forever gone.

[@shornnelson9572]

I wish tomorrow we can wake up and social media had never happened or just go away altogether. It would force the world to change

[@C-Lyfe85]

Music was dying long before KZbin came along. People forget from 99 - 2005 we had the illegal music download era. Besides, I like youtube, I accept the change. It shouldn't have anything to do with talented people putting out good music. Which at this point artists are not giving their 110%.

[@oracle478]

@@C-Lyfe85 I agree but it made music so easily accessible that it no longer has the same thrill as having to catch it when you can, the same with what DVR and streaming did with TV, before we had to watch it when it played or we missed it, now we watch it whenever and it no longer has the same thrill.

[@BlackGirlUnsolved]

@@shornnelson9572I feel you. That’s why I always wished I was born in a different era. Disco, real rock and roll, soul, blues, and jazz. Damn where’s the Time Machine.

[@sharlaamysamuel]

I hear what your saying about it being attached to a memory. I still remember hearing a song on Jazz FM and recording on a cassette.

[@Deloreon]

Ended? Bro... search and you will find. There's gold right here on KZbin. African artist are putting their spin on it nowadays too and it's a absolute vibe ✌🏽

[@nettricegaskins1871]

That's afrobeats, not neo-soul. It's not the same.

[@dawb86]

​@@nettricegaskins1871 That's why they said "putting their spin on it" lol. It's influenced by the style but not purely derivative. A lot of that UK R&B right now has a lot of elements inspired by the subgenre too...

[@everretchancellor2243]

Dre Scot (feelings )let you it's not dead. You do have to look for it, but it out here

[@popeye697]

Unfortunately, the fact that you have to look for it is proof that it ended. Just because there's still artists out there doesn't mean it's not gone. It just means the next thing is out there

[@dawb86]

@@popeye697 Not really. Moreso further proof that a major focus on true artistry ended in the industry in general came to an end rather than the subgenre itself no longer producing fruit...

[@checkmateforever]

How there's no mention of India Arie?? She's one the primary leading "Neo Soul" artists.

[@taylord9581]

‼️‼️‼️ I was like am I tripping?!

[@chriswilliams2468]

I was searching for this comment, and I totally agree with you.

[@potterylady44]

Right? Are they ok?😒 She's amazing!

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

I was thinking the same thing!!!! Where is INDIA ARIE in this discussion!?!?!?!?!!

[@Meo9131]

Being honest majority of those from the neo soul era still look and sound good. I went a Badu concert and she sounded amazing and yes that mic was on! It was a whole experience and I enjoyed myself. Artists from that timeframe have classic hits and Maxwell is still eating off his first album as well as D'Angelo.

[@BigJuice4eva]

D'Angelos' (Lady) the song and the instrumental will never lose it's grasp on the way the song makes you feel Period. Lalah Hathaway , Eric Roberson,Dwele,Ledisi are some of the most Harmonic Soul voices in the business!

[@OPTIMYSTIK2013]

RIP to the innovator of this sound.....J. DILLA!!!

[@h3lloh3llo]

Neo Soul has now transitioned into "Alternative" R&B with artist like Ari Lennox, Victoria Monet, SIR, Masego, The Internet, Lucky Daye, Moonchild, SZA, etc. These artist are clearly influenced by the Neo Soul era as Neo Soul artists were influenced by the Soul, R&B, and Funk of the previous generation. Every generation has their own version of "Soul"...it never goes away.

[@CachetChris]

Let’s not forget Ari Lennox, Cleo Sol, Aliah Sheffield, Snoh Aalegra, Sir, Lizzie Berchie, The Internet and many more Neo Soul artists. While I get the genre isn’t as popular as it was, it isn’t quite dead just yet.

[@bougiebohemian5393]

Exactly

[@Daydreamerr13]

True! But idc it ain’t the same 😂 maybe that 2006-2012 era but the latter. 2013ish to now is not compatible to before

[@kellikakes81]

Right...I was trying to say that in my comment, but this stated better lol

[@BlackNella]

Yup and Sault, little Simz, Solange and Janelle Monae and so many more

[@jusdria4132]

H.E.R gives neo soul vibes as well

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

D Angelo Maxwell groove theory Erykah badu Lauryn hill zhane Neo soul had it on fire man what killed radio

[@dewaynealison4259]

You could probably take Neo-Soul's roots across the pond to the mid-late 80s with Loose Ends, Sade, Family Stand, Soul II Soul, Omar Lye-Fook & others.

[@rogerblewett5595]

Anita Baker

[@C-Lyfe85]

​​@@rogerblewett5595 Anita Baker was "adult contemporary" along with Luther Vandross, Freddie jackson, Sade, etcetera. Myself a 80s baby, those were like our parents music.

[@C-Lyfe85]

I will argue that it kind of started with mint condition who we're not Neo soul, but they had a live band and did a few Neo Soul records, occasionally. Soul II Soul and Tony Tony Tony also. Raphael Saadiq did work on D'Angelo's first album.

[@jfefan97]

Family Stand is NYC

[@bun223]

Maxwell did say one of his influences was Loose Ends.

[@chadholmes5599]

NEO Soul is alive and well in my life, still bump it to this very day!!

[@I-canMakeTheGlobeShift]

Yall left out Chico Debarge and Angie Stone.Even though both of them were way before neo soul.They were a part of that 90s neo soul movement. And cant forget India Arie.

[@brandonf.8360]

If you take away the "Neo Soul" label, it's still great music.

[@cupofchi_]

Why take away the label ?

[@brandonf.8360]

@@cupofchi_ why keep it? Does that mean the artist isn't as great?

[@taharqa332]

It was RnB…that’s it. What most ppl call RnB is really POP! So called “NEO SOUL” was/is really more about a LOOK than a SOUND! Neo Soul is really just traditional Rhythm and Blues.

[@vibrationzzz]

⁠@@taharqa332it’s definitely not traditional r&b.. compare a old traditional r&b song from 60s-80s with a neo soul song you’ll find that the vocals, production and even song structure is very different

[@khartoumlavage4253]

Urban Hang Suite is not just “R&B”, bro. You need to listen to that shit again. It’s honestly kind of an Acquiescent Funk Resurgence.

[@Ironman79]

Meshell Ndegeocello’s Plantation Lullabies album predates all of them. She doesn’t get enough credit. Very talented and underrated.

[@AggravatedMan365]

If we're talking about killing one another or over sexualizing ourselves, the masses will not push it. That being said although it was short lived, Neo-soul is legendary.

[@blakebrown84]

I never felt Neo soul went away when the music is so great. If we want positive music, keep playing it because we don’t want to hear negativity all day long. We love Common, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, Eric Benet, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Marsha Ambrosius, Angie Stone, Groove Theory, Erykah Badu, etc. I still love the music because men wanted to love their women in a good way. It’s all timeless music that will never go away and will forever be remembered as great music.

[@ashleywills8761]

I still feel Neo soul still alive it’s jus changed more nd more wit different artists

[@timray4988]

Bring Neo-soul back. It never fell off. The industry killed it off on purpose

[@sabrinaestrada3590]

It's still amazing music and I'm glad I lived through its emergence.

[@KoTM25681]

Producers like Q-Tip and J Dilla deserve a mention for their part in the Neo Soul era.

[@lahomerwashington5269]

Neo Soul hasn’t ended.For the people that always listen and love it, it’s even better

[@lelelum4103]

Yes! Exactly!!

[@Shazzyhtown]

Why do people forget Chico Debarge's contributions? His music definitely falls under this category. Especially his album post his prison time.🤔

[@jayc5756]

My favorite genre. Bring It Back, Please!

[@CourtneyA.]

I grew up listening to neo soul as a kid, and haven't stopped.

[@CAcutie1978]

Neo Soul in my view is legendary. It was the music of my college years, my first real job out of college, my dating life and beyond. I still listen to it often; I even have a neo soul playlist on my Apple music. Time changes and I'm not concerned about its longevity. Look how many people sell out Jill Scott, Badu and even Lauryn Hill venues.

[@laquintinbelser8342]

This is my favorite era of r&b it's second to none

[@EarthQueen-1111]

Judging by my playlist.. Neo-Soul is alive and well❤🧘🏾‍♀️

[@jaslyn5501]

Same. Hasn’t gone any damn where based on my concert choices and playlist.

[@SteadilyAscending]

It hasn’t gone anywhere! Everyone is programmed to listen to what’s on the radio, instead of searching for new stuff! I have found several brand new artists who are keeping the vibes going. Start with Moonchild, KIRBY, Jai’len Josey, Mac Ayres, FKJ, Durand Bernarr, Cleo Sol! Stop it!

[@ZestyBuffSauceBae]

I agree, everyone is programmed to like what they like.

[@dawb86]

Facts. I keep trying to tell people R&B is fine. Also got Dawn Richard, Masego, Anderson .Paak, Jimetta Rose, Zo!, Robert Glasper Experiment, Lady Wray, Giveon, Devin Morrison, Blue Lab Beats, Jorja Smith, Ari Lennox, Jon Batiste, Jamila Woods. The radio might not play them but hey, at this point I LIKE digging for treasure.....

[@SteadilyAscending]

@@dawb86 the search is what makes it fun💯💪🏾

[@conspiracyjen85]

Tank and the Bangers, Van Jess even tho they are not together any more, Tiana Major, Eric Roberson been out for years, Sinead, Sabrina Claudio, Jessy Ware, Alina Beaz, Smino, Alex Mali, Mila J, 6Lack

[@qbennett7232]

It’s 2023 nobody listens to the radio like that anymore

[@TalentedKamarty]

Neo Soul's still alive. Unfortunately nobody wants to be "boxed in" so u gotta sift through everything labeled r&b & hip hop to find it lol Cleo Sol, Emmavie, Mac Ayres, Alex Isley, MALIA, Snoh Aalegra.. it's extra harder finding that in Hip Hop lol the ones that got tht Common n Mos vibe.

[@MrTee12]

*James Poyser* the genius behind most of this genre and it's artists deserves his Credit!!!!

[@aldali724]

Naw really Jay Dee. They all took from him

[@MrTee12]

@@aldali724 JDilla definitely…one of the Greatest !!! I just think James gets less of a recognition that’s all.

[@ejakaegypt]

It’s still one of my favorite genes of music

[@mashondaknight9132]

I love neo soul so sad the industry doesn't recognize real music

[@C-Lyfe85]

For them the bottom line is the dollar. The recording industry learned back in the 1960s that music could influence and be thought-provoking, they've been working on trying to stamp that out. Which is why we have the trash we have now.

[@mashondaknight9132]

@@C-Lyfe85 truth 💯💯💯

[@Incredible_Geez]

THEY DID recognize it....why do you think it's in the space it's in? TOO MUCH positivity going on....anything promoting Unity, strength or BLACK MAN AND WOMAN TOGETHER.....THEY WILL DESTROY.....We gotta pay attention to what they're doing out here....

[@LIFEWITHTHEJONESES1]

You got artist keeping it alive like Summer Walker, Brent Faiyaz, Sir, Ari Lenox, Dainel Cesar, Sza, Naomi Sharron and the list goes on.

[@ninasky7]

When neo soul first came out i was a teen and was more into uptempo r&b but now in my 30s i cant get enough of it. Its so soothing and what u wanna hear after u had a long day at work or been stressed. U just light a candle, make a homemade meal or read a book and let it play. Aint nothing like it man ! I still listen to chris brown and tank but not as much as neo soul

[@NottyGurlStyle]

That era of music and soulful sounds was the best time…

[@negusrbg500]

No lie! Humans were better

[@MakeYouTubeGreatAgain1]

Neo Soul was a cool genre, but I'm not surprised it didn't last long. It was basically RNB with "deeper" meanings to the lyrics (which can also be found in even older RNB songs). In other words, it wasn't really a new creation. The fashion trends around that time were FLY though! Although there wasn't a specific Neo Soul fashion sense, the dress code back then was on point.

[@thornyback]

Erykah Badu would like to have a chat with you outside

[@Black_Picaso]

😕

[@VettieSincere]

Neo soul was more than just R&B. If common, Q-Tip, Mos Def & Lauryn Hill (who rapped sometimes) fit into the category. Neo Soul was more so about the music as a movement, down to earth and for the people.

[@meliB96]

Literally my favorite genre. Such a classy feel good genre

[@lilmama291]

Neo soul will never disappear for me! It's still around - just underground. Plenty of artists are out there on streaming platforms. Neo soul is not promoted at all other than word-of-mouth.

[@mstcherie13]

And we know why

[@krisjames6573]

SO!!!! Why was there ever a separation??? Neo Soul was always a splinter of HipHop- but for the community, it was all the same, if you wanted harmonization and pure musicality, you wanted neo-soul!!! It was a splinter of ADOS Hip Hop!!! 👊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@jman1562001]

I think it's a reflection of an earlier divide IMO. Remember, Hip-Hop was not FULLY embraced by the wider Black Music industry in the 80s and even in the early 90s. It was considered Ghetto, Street, Nigga music by certain Big Wigs for years. Once rap started selling big numbers is when radio and the wider industry got on board. Neo-Soul was a term no different then Conscious Rap to help market the music and get it sold to a wider audience. Neo Soul has evolved even if it's no longer popular to the masses.

[@Running4Daze]

Makes me think of India Arie’s acoustic soul album. Played it all the time when it came out. Also loved Liz Wright’s salt album too but mayb that was more contemporary jazz. Either way both great artists I listened to in college back n the day.

[@anthonyibekwem647]

Us Brits have been listening to so-called Neo Soul since the 80s and early 90s, Soul II Soul, Sade, Omar and Lynden David-Hall (RIP) amongst others.

[@queenladybug1702]

I seen Maxwell this past Sunday and he was awesome!!! ❤

[@Elwrt455]

Maxwell's debut is phenomenal and there was so much great music i.e. Erykah Badu's debut, Music Soulchild's debut, etc.

[@SLa-pb1gg]

Philly did something to NeoSoul in the 90’s and 00’s. That Musiq, Jill, The Roots, Bilal, Floetry. That sound is orgasmic

[@sparkzmentalz2]

I got a dope Neo Soul playlist I enjoy listening to and I'm adding new Neo Soul music all the time. I love the calm, laid back vibes.

[@marylander3798]

I'm so blessed to have been an HBCU student when neo soul was still at around (the later stages). its hard to describe how meaningful that was. This music literally made me who I am.

[@Courie_Dee]

Neo soul never went away, it just went underground and became less popular. It’s def still there, and the real soul lovers know where to find it. Lol All of these artists are timeless and hugely inspirational to those of us who make music. ❤ Dope documentary!

[@tvocetm]

This was so good. Well researched and informative. Thank you.

[@minervaowl8298]

It was not until this year did I finally figured out what this music was classified as and because of that I’ve been able to find so many gems out of it. Neo soul truly is quality and I feel like so many people are missing out on this genre. I’ve always been attracted to it even before I knew the name. It’s like something from my childhood that has been unlocked.

[@seanfg1972]

Maxwell never fell off. He just waited longer in between album's. And he always got a hit. PERIODT!

[@Daydreamerr13]

I didn’t even watch the video yet and I’m sad. Cause no generation will replicate this era, Gen X did the damn thing! They are lowkey the forgotten generation and I’m actually so jealous of the golden era of blackeness they created and came up in . Something the younger generation just doesn’t have and I’m not sure we will ever have again 😅

[@datboyphil]

Yo brown sugar and voodoo were 2 of the best albums ever made !!!! The neo soul era was always had bangers the music was ahead of its time.

[@patienceisavirtue]

Neo soul wasn’t new to me with them. Folks like Roy Ayers and his RAMP band already had the sound amongst many others. It was new to folks who aren’t really musically educated. I would say it was a breath of fresh air hearing a familiar sound come back around.

[@Vasquez.213]

Man I love being an INFP because our taste in music is just so raw & beautiful. Bring all this back. I also would insert Alicia Keys into this genre as well. Especially her old stuff.

[@TracyAllenVideos]

You had me worried… I was thinking I was stuck in some sort of “time loop” 😆 Neo soul will be around forever. I expect music to go through it changes and stuff but the new artists that you mentioned like Lucky Daye, H.E.R, Alex Isley, Robert Glasper, and a whole bunch of others, I dig their sound. Even if they don’t call it Neosoul, it still has that same neo soul feeling. That’s pretty much all I listen to. I don’t listen to the radio and I stay in my happy place😊 Thank goodness for “algorithms“. They constantly feed me the sounds that I love 🥰💐🙏🏾

[@j2times2006]

What a shame so many artists tries to distance themselves from the genre. It was such cool music and even the name neo soul was pretty kick ass. The music still holds up very well 20 plus years later. That says a lot.

[@sunkissed38queen89]

Neo Soul is absolutely not dead! I still listen to new Neo artist such as Alex Isley, Jasmine Sullivan and October London. I also still play the oldies but goodies like Erykah Badu, Floetry, Lauren Hill and many more!

[@maxdondada]

Am I missing anyone? Anthony Hamilton Angie Stone D’Angelo Glenn Lewis Erykah Badu Jaguar Wright Bilal Maxwell Musiq Ledisi Dwele Goaple India Arie Amel Larrieux Floetry

[@jayj.6146]

Good list! I would add Raheem DeVaughn.

[@demarcusmac2813]

Floetry was my shit

[@press.80]

Jilly from Philly Jill Scott

[@cupofchi_]

Kem!

[@cupofchi_]

Raheem davaughn!

[@bougiebohemian5393]

I think neo-soul as we knew it simply evolved. Also, music and what is popular changes over time so it probably was more of a natural progression that interest shifted.

[@dreadee5757]

Corrie BailRay, Leanne Lehava and NOA and the internet are also neo soul but really neo soul is called alternative r&b now at least to me and is my favorite genre of music rn

[@TheMmiguelito]

Mama's gun is arguably one of the most underrated albums EVER!! i even slept on it! Hell, i didn't discover it until 2017..27yrs after it came out!! One of the best albums EVER! "GREEN EYES" was like a friggin mini concert taking you on a musical roller coaster that you didn't expect 🎶🔥🎶🔥🎶🔥🎶🔥🎶🔥🎶

[@cbrown940]

The Fugees featuring Lauryn Hill show was sold out - last week, in 2023. Their perceived “unpopularity” is a whole damn lie. Urban Soul is alive & well - today.

[@djcoolcliff]

Bro Soul didn’t end and these artists are still killing it!! Nicca I just saw Maxwell this past Saturday!! Get yo facts straight!!!

[@phyllisspears8239]

When did it end? I am unaware of this. Music is timeless.

[@8caratdiamondproductions]

It will make a return in a big way very soon. It is much needed.

[@YallBeingFooled]

Neo-soul is still alive in me❤

[@conspiracyjen85]

Neo is a prefix meaning combination or combining. If we are going by those terms as an alternative for Rhyme and Blues or just Blues, then Chaka Khan would be a pioneer to the genre but more so, Sade in my opinion. When bring that art form to the mainstream. However, there are tons of arts that are still making that alternative classic rhythm and blues, spoke and word, music and I think the names listed here are totally mainstream Neo-Soul artists. Underground artists like Eric Roberson, of course Dwele, Raheem Devaughn, Goapele, Alex Isley, Lalah Hathaway, Van Jess, Amber Mark, Jesse Ware, Sinead etc. Then you have the nuanced street soul funk blues, like Mila J and her sister Jhene Aiko, and the ones putting different cultures like Alex Mali, Aliana Beaz, Tiana Major. My point is the term may have left but there are still tons of artists with combining soul music out here. Even Chole x Halle can be looked at as alternative but combining soul. Black culture is so, wide spread no matter what you try to coin a term for a music genre or even dance move, there is always going to be someone somewhere with a similar style. Just because they coined the term that doesn't mean it was new nor has it gone anywhere.

[@michaelcorleone7598]

Such a beautiful genre of music

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

Two artists I haven’t seen in the comments are Amel Larrieux and the group Seek. I think of ‘Neo Soul’ as distinctly beginning around 1990-1993, with Me’Shell Ndege’Ocello’s Plantation Lullabies. That sound was so fresh at the time. A groundbreaking album. But there were artists in the 80’s that had that sound, that bridged the 70’s to the early 90’s. I was loving Loose Ends, Soul To Soul, Incognito, Repercussions, Omar, and others. 🤔 A lot of black Brits… They had that soul + acid jazz sound that I was really into. And I STILL listen to all of it, like, very often! ‘Neo Soul’ didn’t die. Music just evolves and takes on the vibe of the times. Ari Lennox and Summer Walker have the soul music sound, but they also somehow fit for the late 2010’s-2020’s. More debauchery and demoralized imagery nowadays.

[@kejathomas2967]

Neo soul is literally my favorite genre

[@BeingKyleBusch18]

Musiq soul child has been in my amazon music playlist for over a month now! When i play him while driving with the volume up, black people always turn their heads to see who's playing the music they were listening too, back in the 2000's ^_^

[@alexishilson919]

Yessss the culture needed this I been wanting a neo soul video

[@QsynYo]

This was a great video. Thank you so much for your effort and research. I love and miss "neo-soul". Whatever is on Sirius just doesn't cut it.

[@Roccofan]

I was today years old when I realized that Musiq’s “Love” was not an R&B song, but rather a gospel song hiding in plain sight.

[@bmillersince92]

It’s still around lol that’s some of the only music I listen to, it’s not radio play but nowadays the radio is dying

[@nicholashayes5773]

Amel Larrieux, Macy Gray, and Corinne Bailey Rae are some of my favs and I still listen to this day.

[@mystroent]

idk if you can argue that macy gray falls under that genre lol. her music & sound don't give neo-soul vibe

[@lokijordan]

American Idol debuted in 2002, shifting the cultural music focus from anything associated with R&B to straight ahead Pop music. That killed Neo Soul and nearly stuck a fork in R&B. Interestingly in this video they show Maxwell several times but never really delve into why he's arguably the only Neo Soul artist to continue to sell well. After his second album came out, I saw his live show in LA and was shocked at how multicultural his audience was. Also, guys were there with their ladies. His Neo Soul had crossed over into mainstream Pop. I don't think anybody else did that.

[@crystalhoffler]

I was caught right in the spell of neo soul music back then.

[@marksuber3886]

I like to believe "That's the Way Love Goes" was the 1st piece of Neo-Soul we got to experience, unintentionally. It's a timeless classic that don't get enough recognition.

[@TheAKAtivist]

THIS!!!!!

[@CharlesMosley129]

i met India Arie at an afterparty of the African American Film Festival on Martha's Vineyard in 2016. she spoke to the small gathering and gave an impromptu acapella performance of her song "Breathe" right in front of us. she wouldn't use the spare guitar my cousin's son's friend had at the house in which this afterparty was being held saying that she only plays her own. she is an incredible person, i'd say almost regal. it was a treat to have met her.

[@JazzyLnae]

Neo Soul is my favorite genre. Just because its not “mainstream” doesnt mean its gone away. Neo Soul artists are still putting out music. Its still popular outside the U.S and some of my favorite artists now are in the UK.

[@sushimitten]

Can you name some for me to look up? I only know about Jerome Thomas. He’s my fave.

[@BIGTONEonline]

I Love Neo Soul!