What is Neo-Soul music?

Origin of Neo-Soul

USA, mid-1990s. Kedar Massenburg coined the marketing term around 1994-95. A reaction against the increasingly synthetic sound of contemporary R&B, reaching back to the warmth of 1970s soul while incorporating hip-hop rhythms and jazz harmony. D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill defined the canon.

Era: 1994--present

Defining sound of Neo-Soul

Organic instrumentation -- live drums, electric piano, acoustic bass -- combined with hip-hop beat sensibility. BPM typically 70-100. Vocals are technically accomplished, often drawing on gospel tradition. Production values warmth and deliberate imperfection.

Pioneers of Neo-Soul

• D'Angelo
• Erykah Badu
• Lauryn Hill
• Maxwell
• Jill Scott

Key Neo-Soul artists

• Frank Ocean
• Anderson .Paak
• H.E.R.
• Lucky Daye
• Syd
• Raphael Saadiq

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Neo-Soul

When did Neo-Soul start?

Neo-Soul originated 1994--present. USA, mid-1990s.

Who invented Neo-Soul?

Neo-Soul was pioneered by D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Jill Scott. USA, mid-1990s. Kedar Massenburg coined the marketing term around 1994-95. A reaction against the increasingly synthetic sound of contemporary R&B, reaching back to the warmth of 1970s soul while incorporating hip-hop rhythms and jazz harmony. D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill defined the canon.

Is Neo-Soul still popular?

Neo-Soul continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, H.E.R., Lucky Daye.

What does Neo-Soul sound like?

Organic instrumentation -- live drums, electric piano, acoustic bass -- combined with hip-hop beat sensibility. BPM typically 70-100. Vocals are technically accomplished, often drawing on gospel tradition. Production values warmth and deliberate imperfection.

What is the difference between Neo-Soul and r-and-b?

Neo-Soul and r-and-b are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the r-and-b definition page for a full comparison.