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A Genesis: Neo-Soul

© Mecca Donna

Once again music has re-created itself. This time a megalith. This time Neo-Soul. Both Rhythm and Blues and Hip-Hop have fused with a multitude of other types of music. Fusion is the appeal in Neo-Soul. Fusion is the beauty of it all. Neo-Soul music separates itself from the popularly produced Rhythm and Blues theme of "Bumpin' and Grindin' ." This carnal mantra does not pay homage to sensuality as an art form nor does it convey the idea that sex is more than just a "Bump and Grind." Neo-Soul music smashes the mold. It has become the distinctive measure of modern music. Neo-Soul is a blend of respect and sexuality, love and lust, desire and the blues. Neo-Soul is fusion at its best. It's musical content varies from Spoken Word Poetry to sensual rendezvous to chronicles of every day love of life to unrequited love. Neo-Soul has proven to be the embodiment of range. Diversity. Life. It transforms Rhythm and Blues into a lethal weapon with its chest thumpin' bass lines and creamy falsettos. It weaves violins and bass guitars into spoken word poetry. It blares operatic intonation. It is language in rhythm. It sings motion.

Neo-Soul is an excellent medium for urban consciousness. Just as Hip-Hop portrays an expressive rendition of the hardship in urban life, Neo- Soul expresses poignantly the aspects of love and spirituality in urban life. It serves, at some levels, as a counterbalance to Hip-Hop's anecdotal 'Bitches and Hoes'. The music gives a holistic feel to the experience of love and the act itself.

Neither Neo-Soul (the music itself) nor the artists who create the phenomenon are exactly run of the mill. These young artists are reminiscent of great musical predecessors. An exemplar: Erykah Badu. Erykah Badu's voice at the debut of Baduism was reminiscent of Lady Day's sultry Alto. Angie Stone brings a very mature, experienced sound to modern day Soul music. Jill Scott fuses poetry and opera to wow audiences and fans. She is a magnificent force. Then, there is the young India Arie. She is a delight and is also an artist who I am going to particularly enjoy watching grow. Make no mistake about it, the ladies of Neo-Soul Music are powerful artists and definitely hold their own. But what about their counterparts? For starters, the delectable D'Angelo floors his female audience with his sex appeal. His style is old school Smokey Robinson meets Prince. His smooth vocals and rich experiences attract the ladies and earn D'Angelo the privilege of rotation during times of romance. The newest addition to Neo-Soul's entourage of men is Musiq Soulchild. His style is fresh and innovative. He will have you swayin to mid tempo grooves and wanting to really court a woman, like the days of old. Ah, then there's Maxwell. Maxwell has the suavity of Curtis Mayfield, the charisma of Teddy Pendergrass, and the raw sex appeal and passion for singing of Marvin Gaye himself. Then there are still the many unsigned underground artists.

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