If you ask me what genre makes me feel good in my soul, it has to be neo soul. The artistic freedom of expression, deeper meaning of songs and conscious driven lyrics in this style of music, is magical. It combines soul with contemporary r&b, which fuses hip hop, jazz and electronic in its current evolution. Below are a few current neo soul artists, each unique in themselves.

Snoh Aalegra:

During Spotify wrapped 2018, Snoh Aalegra was voted my top artist, which was an unexpected surprise. I never could have guessed who would be my ‘top artist’, nevertheless there was a reason Snoh was top at the top of the list; her soulful hypnotic voice is always on replay and puts me in my feels all the time.

Favourites:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_niW_EiNfQ?start=82&w=560&h=315]

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[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/347753340″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Masego

This multi-talented musician always puts me in a good mood when I listen to his songs. Masego is an excellent saxophonist who exists in the unique realm of new neo soul. He describes his individualistic style of music as ‘TrapHouseJazz’, and his playful personality is displayed in his ever-so-smooth songs.

Favourites:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAE3U1NvOs&w=560&h=315]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/452702358″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/345582787″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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IAMDDB :

IAMDDB is a new talent with a very unique sound. The Manchester artist draws on her Angolan/Portuguese roots to create a new versatile style of urban jazz and sultry soul. She describes her sound as ‘eclectic, real and authentic’ and her onstage presence is exactly that.

Favourites:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg_PDZVV2lo&w=560&h=315]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/335022181″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/394948119″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Frank Ocean 

Frank Ocean has a fascinating sound that is ever-changing. I first listened to him in the song ‘Summer Remains’ which featured on his early YouTube channel, and was struck by his raw vocals.  Then I was was introduced to a new Frank on the ‘blond‘ album, giving me electronic fusion and pure r&b vibes all day. 

Favourites:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqOSaSMslwc?start=48&w=560&h=315]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315195071″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/342808319″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Happy listening