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Neo-soul

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Revision as of 03:38, 20 October 2026 by Edb (talk | contribs) (Expand the comprehensive music catalogue with reviewed distinct performances; prioritize recent discovery, retain good older music and preserve existing prose, recordings and fields.)
Category: Genre

Summary

Neo-soul is a late-twentieth-century and continuing musical field connecting soul-centered singing with hip-hop sensibility, funk, jazz-related harmony and distinctive studio craft. The label groups artists with different voices and priorities rather than defining one compulsory sound. It often directs attention toward an intimate, rhythmically flexible relationship between voice and ensemble. Its cultural identity belongs to Black contemporary creativity as much as to an older soul inheritance. Calling it new should not suggest that earlier traditions had disappeared, or that other contemporary R&B lacked musical substance. [1]

Contemporary and trending

Foundational recordings remain reference points for younger singers, instrumentalists and producers, while new work frequently exceeds the boundaries of the original label. Erykah Badu's account emphasizes continuing artistic evolution rather than repeating a successful formula. Some contemporary musicians embrace neo-soul; others see it as a useful description of one period or listening community. Live ensembles, home studios, independent releases and international collaborations all contribute. A performance can sound deliberately unhurried or intimate while embodying exacting rhythmic decisions, and familiarity with its craft often spreads through musicians learning one another's approaches.

History

During the 1990s, artists developed different ways of placing inherited soul and funk resources within a musical world already transformed by hip-hop. Dallas, Richmond, Philadelphia, New York and other communities supplied distinct histories and relationships. Badu's movement between MC work and songwriting, and D'Angelo's account of gospel, instruments and early production crews, complicate a simple story of revival. Later collaboration and recording networks brought musicians together without erasing their local backgrounds. The category emerged around that convergence, while the artists' actual creative lives continued in less tidy directions. [2]

Musical characteristics

Listen to how drums, bass and voice occupy slightly different relationships to the beat. A relaxed surface may contain precise tension between parts. Chord color, electric keyboards, guitar articulation and layered vocal harmony can make a short repeating structure feel continually inhabited. Hip-hop-informed repetition and sampling coexist with live instrumental interplay. The expressive point is not virtuosity alone: a small changed note or delayed entrance can shift the emotional temperature. Singing may move between speech-like intimacy and expansive melodic phrasing without losing the sense of a personal address.

Geography and communities

The American South, eastern cities and wider migration-linked Black musical landscapes form a connected source and continuing public. Dallas and Philadelphia are consequential nodes, but a few city circles would miss regional audiences and everyday music-making. Britain has substantial independent adoption, with meaningful European, Japanese, Brazilian and southern African communities. These fields indicate cultural continuity and affinity rather than a ranking of artists by birthplace. Neo-soul's landscape includes listeners, bands and producers who share musical expectations, even where they encounter one another through recordings rather than a single local venue.

Artists

Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, India.Arie, Musiq Soulchild and Bilal offer different introductions. The Roots, J Dilla, Questlove and other collaborators reveal connections that a singer-only account misses. Artists' discographies should be heard on their own terms rather than permanently confined to one label. Compare the rhythmic space of an ensemble performance with a loop-centered studio construction, then attend to how the voice changes their meaning. Similar harmonic resources can support vulnerability, humor, sensuality, reflection or a more oblique form of social commentary.

Representative performances

These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.

MuGlobe listening profile
Repertoire Field use Notes
popular regional Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.
MuGlobe representative performances
Artist Performance / song / title Embedded player URL Notes Repertoire kind Repertoire date Recording date Format Opening Places Fit Evidence Review note
Erykah Badu and band Tiny Desk Concert https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cfmEgpOOZk NPR's intimate live session pairs Rimshot with Green Eyes. Badu's flexible vocal phrasing and the band's jazz and hip-hop connections make this a strong neo-soul example; there is a spoken introduction before the songs.[3] Embedded playback is currently unavailable (YouTube code 150); the recording reference is retained. popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Playback blocked: YouTube embedding error 150 observed 20 October 2026. Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Jill Scott and band Tiny Desk Concert https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5QOaaRJYFc NPR's 2026 session spans A Long Walk, newer songs and The Way. Scott's blend of conversational phrasing, full singing and live-band interaction offers a Philadelphia perspective alongside Badu's neo-soul approach.[4] Embedded playback is currently unavailable (YouTube code 150); the recording reference is retained. popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Playback blocked: YouTube embedding error 150 observed 20 October 2026. Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Maxwell Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) https://www.youtube.com/embed/D7rm9t5S4uE Official music video adding Maxwell's flexible high-register singing and tightly shaped groove to the neo-soul playlist. A studio production to compare with the other artists' live performances.[5] Embedded playback is currently unavailable (YouTube code 150); the recording reference is retained. popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Playback blocked: YouTube embedding error 150 observed 20 October 2026. Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Olivia Dean Olivia Dean - So Easy To Fall In Love Live in Sydney 2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4KMzay9W_U Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: CHARDD. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. SoEasyToFallInLove actual ArtOfLoving Sydney contemporary soul musicalperformance. Video publication: 2026-10-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[6] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: CHARDD. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. SoEasyToFallInLove actual ArtOfLoving Sydney contemporary soul musicalperformance.
Olivia Dean Olivia Dean - “Baby Steps” (Live at Afterpay Arena, Sydney 2026) https://www.youtube.com/embed/prwGY-kQbJs Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Avatar5991 Concerts. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-10-09. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BabySteps actual AfterpayArenaSydney concert9October2026, distinctwork sameevent. Video publication: 2026-10-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[7] popular unknown 2026-10-09 live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Avatar5991 Concerts. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-10-09. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BabySteps actual AfterpayArenaSydney concert9October2026, distinctwork sameevent.
Jill Scott Jill Scott - O2 Academy Birmingham - September 2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/96vLkQInOr4 Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Mrs D. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Actual O2AcademyBirmingham live musicalexcerpt; exactwork uncredited not invented. Video publication: 2026-09-30; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[8] popular unknown 2026-09 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Mrs D. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Actual O2AcademyBirmingham live musicalexcerpt; exactwork uncredited not invented.
Erykah Badu; The Alchemist Erykah Badu & The Alchemist - Before The World Blows 20-Sep-2026 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap https://www.youtube.com/embed/88wLq_By7TI Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: 📼 VHS Hip Hop. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09-20. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BeforeTheWorldBlows WolfTrapViennaVA actualdate; namedshoutoutsNoID/PeteRock/Dilla not extra currentvoices. Video publication: 2026-09-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[9] popular unknown 2026-09-20 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: 📼 VHS Hip Hop. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09-20. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BeforeTheWorldBlows WolfTrapViennaVA actualdate; namedshoutoutsNoID/PeteRock/Dilla not extra currentvoices.
Erykah Badu; The Alchemist Erykah Badu and the Alchemist - On & On (Live at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on 9/11/26) https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrNionjFQUs Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: MVP Presents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09-11. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. On&On MichiganLotteryAmphitheatre actualdate distinct WolfTrapwork. Video publication: 2026-09-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[10] popular unknown 2026-09-11 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: MVP Presents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-09-11. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. On&On MichiganLotteryAmphitheatre actualdate distinct WolfTrapwork.
Erykah Badu; The Alchemist; DJ Creole Princess Erykah Badu & The Alchemist – Echos, I Just Play A Part, Witch Doctor | NTS Session https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjEwDojGef8 Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: NTS. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary NTS actual Echos/IJustPlayAPart/WitchDoctor current collaborative musical session, hip-hop/soul hybrid explicit; DJCreolePrincess featured on IJustPlayAPart. Video publication: 2026-09-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[11] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: NTS. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary NTS actual Echos/IJustPlayAPart/WitchDoctor current collaborative musical session, hip-hop/soul hybrid explicit; DJCreolePrincess featured on IJustPlayAPart.
Cleo Sol Sweet Thing https://www.youtube.com/embed/j-JqaukpA9U Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2026-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2026-08-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[12] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2026-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Cleo Sol Gentlewoman https://www.youtube.com/embed/dpks7iSMuUQ Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2026-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2026-08-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[13] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2026-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Toshiki Soejima; Yoshua Yoshida; Ryo Kanda Toshiki Soejima : "Landscape" Session at Jutsu 2026 / Neo-Soul Guitar https://www.youtube.com/embed/DlergIUr5xw Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Toshiki Soejima. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary actual instrumental neo-soul guitar sessions at Jutsu/Pomposo, multiple musical pieces as one programme each; Yoshidabass/Kandadrums. Gear references not lesson;2026tour advert does notdate2025Sunset session. Video publication: 2026-08-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[14] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:Japan supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Toshiki Soejima. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary actual instrumental neo-soul guitar sessions at Jutsu/Pomposo, multiple musical pieces as one programme each; Yoshidabass/Kandadrums. Gear references not lesson;2026tour advert does notdate2025Sunset session.
Jill Scott Jill Scott - Golden (live) [To Whom It May Concern Tour] https://www.youtube.com/embed/amyoZ50n8QE Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: NCLECTA Live Videos. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-07-25. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Golden ToWhomItMayConcernTour actual25July2026. Video publication: 2026-07-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[15] popular unknown 2026-07-25 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: NCLECTA Live Videos. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-07-25. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Golden ToWhomItMayConcernTour actual25July2026.
Jill Scott; The Mighty Marching Panthers Jill Scott & The Mighty Marching Panthers - HBCU Aware Fest https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ACbchSnpPQ Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: KBoogieTheConcertJunkie. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. HateOnMe actual collaborative HBCUAwareFest rendition, bandcreditnotgenericvenue. Video publication: 2026-03-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[16] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: KBoogieTheConcertJunkie. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. HateOnMe actual collaborative HBCUAwareFest rendition, bandcreditnotgenericvenue.
Jill Scott Jill Scott Live - “Be Great” 😊 HBCU AWAREFEST 3.26.26 - ATLANTA State Farm Arena https://www.youtube.com/embed/xbk6af9ezfY Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: dupasupa. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-03-26. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BeGreat HBCUAwareFestAtlanta, differentworkfromHateOnMe. Video publication: 2026-03-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[17] popular unknown 2026-03-26 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: dupasupa. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-03-26. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. BeGreat HBCUAwareFestAtlanta, differentworkfromHateOnMe.
Jill Scott Jill Scott: Pressha | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon https://www.youtube.com/embed/_MzuDZKqMog Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Pressha primaryTonightShow actual live performance distinct officialstudiomaster; boilerplate skits/interviews refers channel, not thisfocusedmusical video. Video publication: 2026-03-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[18] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Pressha primaryTonightShow actual live performance distinct officialstudiomaster; boilerplate skits/interviews refers channel, not thisfocusedmusical video.
Jill Scott Jill Scott - Pressha [Official Video] https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wr0e0zCwUB0 Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Jill Scott. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Pressha primaryTonightShow actual live performance distinct officialstudiomaster; boilerplate skits/interviews refers channel, not thisfocusedmusical video. Video publication: 2026-03-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[19] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Jill Scott. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Pressha primaryTonightShow actual live performance distinct officialstudiomaster; boilerplate skits/interviews refers channel, not thisfocusedmusical video.
Cleo Sol Nothing is Impossible With You https://www.youtube.com/embed/mNskiBxvtRo Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2026-01-23; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[20] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Erykah Badu Erykah Badu - ...& On (LIVE) | Spotify Anniversary https://www.youtube.com/embed/tIIwQzBGsRQ Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Erykah Badu. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary focused ...&On musical segment from SpotifyAnniversary, not whole documentary/interview programme. Video publication: 2025-11-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[21] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Erykah Badu. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary focused ...&On musical segment from SpotifyAnniversary, not whole documentary/interview programme.
Erykah Badu; live ensemble Erykah Badu Echos Amazon Live in Concert Dallas Texas 2025 https://www.youtube.com/embed/lRISRyXlQOI Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Black Arm TV. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025-10-19. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Actual AmazonMusic EchosDallas concert2025, source refers concertdate19October2025; not fullfilm aboutartist. Video publication: 2025-10-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[22] popular unknown 2025-10-19 live unknown country:United States supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Black Arm TV. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025-10-19. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Actual AmazonMusic EchosDallas concert2025, source refers concertdate19October2025; not fullfilm aboutartist.
Toshiki Soejima; Yoshua Yoshida; Ryo Kanda Toshiki Soejima : "Sunset" Jam Session at POMPOSO / Neo-Soul Guitar https://www.youtube.com/embed/WjoL8Pw3oDg Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Toshiki Soejima. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary actual instrumental neo-soul guitar sessions at Jutsu/Pomposo, multiple musical pieces as one programme each; Yoshidabass/Kandadrums. Gear references not lesson;2026tour advert does notdate2025Sunset session. Video publication: 2025-06-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[23] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:Japan supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Toshiki Soejima. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary actual instrumental neo-soul guitar sessions at Jutsu/Pomposo, multiple musical pieces as one programme each; Yoshidabass/Kandadrums. Gear references not lesson;2026tour advert does notdate2025Sunset session.
Cleo Sol Cleo Sol Live - Life Will Be - Hollywood Bowl https://www.youtube.com/embed/hrTBgtEYpB8 Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: YizzyB. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2025-04-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[24] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: YizzyB. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Cleo Sol Cleo Sol Live - Build Me Up - Hollywood Bowl https://www.youtube.com/embed/SyY6uDrAw9w Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: YizzyB. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2025-04-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[25] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: YizzyB. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Cleo Sol Cleo Sol - Sunshine | Later... with Jools Holland https://www.youtube.com/embed/-spq4pVW_Dw Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: BBC Music. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2023-11-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[26] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: BBC Music. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Jordan Rakei; band JORDAN RAKEI: Gilles Peterson Presents Sunday Sessions with Paul Smith https://www.youtube.com/embed/i6jqAdJYmEA Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Worldwide FM. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary WorldwideFM SundaySessions with actual band musical performance at No9AlbemarleStreet pop-up studio; GillesPeterson presenter not singer. Video publication: 2021-10-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[27] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Worldwide FM. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary WorldwideFM SundaySessions with actual band musical performance at No9AlbemarleStreet pop-up studio; GillesPeterson presenter not singer.
Cleo Sol Music https://www.youtube.com/embed/f5rQBvaD98M Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2021-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2021-08-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[28] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2021-08-20; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Cleo Sol Cleo Sol - One (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/geojyCFYqGk Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession. Video publication: 2019-02-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 20 October 2026.[29] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Distinct SunshineJoolsHolland/NothingIsImpossibleWithYou/Music/BuildMeUp/SweetThing/LifeWillBe/Gentlewoman/One works. StudioMusic credits Inflo piano,AlexBonfantibass,KadeemClarkeRhodes,NathanAllendrums,ChrisLaurencebass; SweetThing Inflo/JamesWilliams andnamedbackingvoices, Gentlewoman Inflo/JamarMcNaughton/JamesWilliams. HollywoodBowl cuts different songs; upload separatefromsession.
Cleo Sol; Kadeem Clarke Cleo Sol - Sweet Blue (Live) https://www.youtube.com/embed/TysA4IF-3fQ Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary SweetBlue distinct live rendition, Clarke named actual accompanist. Video publication: 2019-01-30; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[30] popular unknown unknown live unknown country:United Kingdom supported Recording/context source Reviewed Neo-soul musical recording. Source: Cleo Sol. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Neo-soul musical rendition, including contemporary jazz/soul and gospel-informed treatments; not all tracks by a soul singer automatically same genre. Actual musicians separated from producer, interviewer and publisher. Primary SweetBlue distinct live rendition, Clarke named actual accompanist.

Related genres

Soul, contemporary R&B, jazz, funk and hip-hop are overlapping relationships, while alternative R&B describes some later approaches through a different frame. Neo-soul does not mean that music must sound old, use only acoustic instruments or reject commercial success. Its useful distinction lies in a particular convergence of rhythmic feel, voice, historical awareness and creative self-definition. The music can draw deeply on inherited language while remaining contemporary. Listening closely to how each artist reorganizes that language is more illuminating than treating the category as a certificate of authenticity.

References and further reading

  1. ↑ Erykah Badu — Red Bull Music Academy 2011.
  2. ↑ D’Angelo — Red Bull Music Academy 2014.
  3. ↑ Erykah Badu and band — Tiny Desk Concert. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  4. ↑ Jill Scott and band — Tiny Desk Concert. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  5. ↑ Maxwell — Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder). YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  6. ↑ Olivia Dean - So Easy To Fall In Love Live in Sydney 2026.
  7. ↑ Olivia Dean - “Baby Steps” (Live at Afterpay Arena, Sydney 2026).
  8. ↑ Jill Scott - O2 Academy Birmingham - September 2026.
  9. ↑ Erykah Badu & The Alchemist - Before The World Blows 20-Sep-2026 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap.
  10. ↑ Erykah Badu and the Alchemist - On & On (Live at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on 9/11/26).
  11. ↑ Erykah Badu & The Alchemist – Echos, I Just Play A Part, Witch Doctor | NTS Session.
  12. ↑ Sweet Thing.
  13. ↑ Gentlewoman.
  14. ↑ Toshiki Soejima : "Landscape" Session at Jutsu 2026 / Neo-Soul Guitar.
  15. ↑ Jill Scott - Golden (live) [To Whom It May Concern Tour].
  16. ↑ Jill Scott & The Mighty Marching Panthers - HBCU Aware Fest.
  17. ↑ Jill Scott Live - “Be Great” 😊 HBCU AWAREFEST 3.26.26 - ATLANTA State Farm Arena.
  18. ↑ Jill Scott: Pressha | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
  19. ↑ Jill Scott - Pressha [Official Video].
  20. ↑ Nothing is Impossible With You.
  21. ↑ Erykah Badu - ...& On (LIVE) | Spotify Anniversary.
  22. ↑ Erykah Badu Echos Amazon Live in Concert Dallas Texas 2025.
  23. ↑ Toshiki Soejima : "Sunset" Jam Session at POMPOSO / Neo-Soul Guitar.
  24. ↑ Cleo Sol Live - Life Will Be - Hollywood Bowl.
  25. ↑ Cleo Sol Live - Build Me Up - Hollywood Bowl.
  26. ↑ Cleo Sol - Sunshine | Later... with Jools Holland.
  27. ↑ JORDAN RAKEI: Gilles Peterson Presents Sunday Sessions with Paul Smith.
  28. ↑ Music.
  29. ↑ Cleo Sol - One (Official Video).
  30. ↑ Cleo Sol - Sweet Blue (Live).

Hotspot mushrooms

Several Black American regional roots understood as a connected listening and collaborative landscape, plus substantial adopted British and other international cultures; no singer-birthplace-only geography.

These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms
ID Location Latitude Longitude Radius (km) Strength Notes
neo-soul-us-south Southern American Neo-soul landscape 33 -91 2100 1 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-us-east Eastern American Neo-soul landscape 39 -78 1600 1 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-us-west Western American Neo-soul landscape 36 -119 1600 0.75 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-britain British Neo-soul adopted landscape 54 -2 1050 0.9 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-europe Continental European Neo-soul landscape 49 9 1600 0.65 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-japan Japanese Neo-soul listening landscape 36 137 1000 0.65 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-brazil Southeastern Brazilian Neo-soul landscape -22 -45 1400 0.6 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
neo-soul-southafrica Southern African Neo-soul landscape -28 27 1450 0.65 Sustained regional production, shared listening and cultural adoption beyond individual venues; soft edge is an editorial interpretation, not measured audience share.
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