Description of neo-soul music
Neo-soul is a genre of music that emerged in the 1990s as a fusion of classic soul music, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. It is characterized by its smooth and mellow sound, often featuring lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics that focus on love, relationships, and personal growth.
Neo-soul artists typically use live instruments, such as piano, guitar, bass, and drums, and incorporate elements of jazz harmony and improvisation. The use of samples and electronic beats is also common, giving the music a modern edge. The vocals in neo-soul often feature rich and soulful tones, with an emphasis on improvisation and extended vocal techniques.
The genre has been associated with a number of artists, including Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, and Maxwell. These artists helped to define the sound of neo-soul and popularize the genre in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Neo-soul has been credited with revitalizing interest in classic soul music and helping to establish a new generation of R&B and soul artists. The genre has also been influential in shaping the sound of contemporary hip-hop and pop music, with many artists borrowing elements from neo-soul and incorporating them into their own music.
Related genres: soulrnbfemale vocalistsjazzpopfunksinger-songwriter