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Home • Entertainment

GU Jams: The Anatomy And Cultural Influence Of Neo Soul

Let's dive into the genre's impact worldwide
GU Jams: The Anatomy And Cultural Influence Of Neo Soul
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 05: Erykah Badu performs during 2022 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park on August 05, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
By Mandi Miller · Updated July 26, 2024

The neo soul genre has significantly impacted the revival and redefinition of soul music, blending harmony, vibe, and culture in a unique way. The genre confidently manipulates chronologies, reshaping and forging transformative paths between R&B, hip-hop, and soul. Recently, there’s been discourse on the timeline about the official moment when neo soul was left in the shadows.

New iterations of R&B are often criticized for straying too far from what is now considered traditional. Neo soul, however, deserves more recognition for ushering in a new generation of sounds. Instead, the genre’s reputation is often tied to nostalgic memories that overshadow its true narrative of influence. Some argue that the sound found its footing as far back as the late 1980s and early 1990s, with its origins steeped in jazz-funk and progressive soul music. Artists such as Tony! Toni! Toné! and Roy Ayers are credited as early neo soul pioneers.

Musicianship aside, neo soul has exerted a profound cultural and aesthetic influence. The genre’s stripped down aesthetic, portrayed by its celebration of natural beauty, Afrocentrism, and a tranquil cultural lifestyle, has steered cultural trends, shaping fashion, skill, and lifestyle experiences. Notably, artists including Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Ledisi, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu have been instrumental in popularizing neo soul, and opening doorways for others in the genre moving forward.

“The representation of heartbreak in neo soul and blues may not be in the current trend, as the focus is on hustle, wealth, and independence,” says Journalist Darralynn Hutson. “However, I firmly believe that love and relationships will return, as things tend to happen in cycles.”

The roots of R&B and soul music from earlier eras have deeply influenced these younger artists, creating a rich tapestry of sound that connects the past to the present. “Artists like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu unequivocally showcased natural Black beauty, portraying the validity of embracing African beauty to the world,” Hutson says. “Their influence on the sound, look, and conversation through neo-soul has been indisputable.”

Wherever the audience is connected, it reflects their collective thoughts and resonates with what they find reasonable. This connection is not just a reflection but a powerful force. According to journalist Tammy Reese, “there’s no denying the calming effect of neo soul music, exemplified by Jill Scott’s “A Long Walk.” She asserts the crucial nature of this storytelling style and firmly advocates for its resurgence. 

From a writer’s perspective, she confidently champions neo-soul artists as powerful storytellers with an indispensable influence. Through her time analyzing the genre, she firmly underlines the enduring relevance of these songs for audiences, the new generation of listeners, and upcoming artists. Neo soul undeniably impacts the music industry and us as people. It has restored traditional genres to the authentic artistic presentation that continues to shape the industry today.

About the Author: Mandi Miller, the unassuming journalist, gracefully navigates the realms of mental health, lifestyle, education, and entertainment. Through her subtle yet impactful writing, she invites readers to explore the depths of diverse perspectives and gain insightful insights into the serene landscapes of Unwritten, GreyJournal, and #EpilepsyDisease.

TOPICS:  GU Jams music
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