Articles & Interviews
Whether Neo or Alternative, It's All Soul in Musiq
by: Kandie Delley {2002}

Prelude/ Soul Resurrection:
 Between touring with Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, West Philly native, Musiq Soulchild (aka Taalib Johnson) has been nominated for a Grammy as best R&B male vocal performer and two NAACP Image Awards (best song, “LOVE” and outstanding new artist). He also received a BET award, four billboard awards for R&B/Hip Hop/Soul and a Soul Train award for the best single, male category. It’s easy to understand this because both “Aijuswannasing” and his most recent album “Juslisen” resonate feelings of romance, sensitivity and realness throughout.

Soul music has been listed in a gamut of classifications including R&B to Neo and Alternative. To me these are just different flavored frostings for the same cake. None of it matters without the "Soul" and obviously Musiq is well aware of this. He’s Creeping back on the scene with his hit 'HalfCrazy", a lovesick ballad generating hallucinations of lost love; Musiq Souchild (aka Taalib Johnson) strengthens his grip on listeners. The tide of Soulchild’s legacy doesn’t ebb as he hurls a heart-gripping ballad in its place. ‘Don't Change’ is a song that represents an unconditional love. Both singles are from his much anticipated sophomore album “Juslisen” (reached Gold status within two months of being released).

Musiq’s Soul in 3D:
Making my way through the huddle at the corner of Good-Lattimer and Main, I surfaced into the open atmosphere of the Gypsy Tea Room (Deep Ellum, Texas) The laid back sounds of the opening act engulfed the room as the masses prepared for the evening. I passed by the bar, which is directly in front of the entrance, (Okay, okay, I stopped by the bar… for a minute). The earthy appeal of the sister/female group Aaries (featured on songs ‘Girl Next Door’ & ‘Settle For My Love) enhanced the stage for the next hour as they prepped the mood for Musiq. The crowd seemed to be on pins and needles just waiting for him to step out on stage. Witnessing Musiq perform live is even more engaging than listening to his CDs. A ‘Live’ album wouldn’t be sufficient in order for you experience the rapture of his artistry. Not a single disappointment as he guided the audience through the set.

Each song heightened awareness from onlookers; people seemed to play human chess in order to maneuver towards the stage. A few couples held ground as they staked their claim on their own private area of the floor. Every word of every song was accompanied by the “Gypsy Tea Choir” or to translate ‘folks who knew they had no business singing’ (but hey I can’t front I was right along with them). The extension of his live performance intensified the fusion of jazz, funk, soul and hip hop. You can always tell when an artist enjoys what they do and he seems to be as one the music and his fans. Ladies held out hands just to get a touch and immediately received what they wanted.

Time for a better view, “Excuse me, and pardon me. Ooops, I’m sooo sorry about that, your what? Ooh those were some nice shoes, my bad.” I scuffled my short behind to the far left end of the stage while leaping every few feet to get a better view. Every now and then I’d snake my head to the left or right or crane my neck hoping someone would say, “Aw let li’l mama through”, but gone are the days of chivalry. I ask you why do all the tall people appear in front of short folks? The rumble of the bass exploded in my chest and yeah I was grinning; good music makes you feel like grinning and saying hi for no reason. I turned to the person next to me and they were grinning back. Hands lifted in the air on one accord and swayed front to back or side to side as Musiq started breaking it down when he got to the bebop intro of “Just Friends/Sunny”. Immediately the band tackled the reception while Musiq lead “the choir”. Eventually they grooved us into “Rock” mode then… “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for coming, good night”. My mouth dropped to the floor. The hour flew by so fast that I really couldn’t recall him beginning. Disgruntlement reared it’s ugly head and people began looking around stunned mid-sentenced fist pumped in the air, as if someone stole the last bit of kool-aid out the fridge from a hot summer day. But of course you know how we do? You can’t roll through Dallas and vacate without an encore.

Musiq couldn’t escape the chant of the crowd, “Musiq, Musiq, Musiq”. Come on. Let’s be real. They had to know this was going to happen. The band reappeared and folks stampeded back to the stage and cheered. Once the mic got working he asked if it was okay to introduce the members of his band. Heck folks will say yeah if it’ll keep you on the stage longer. No for real, the band was slammin’. Musiq gave a Cheshire cat grin then starting bopping his head and flowed into the song “1-4-3” (once again accompanied by the GT Choir). The ambiance during Musiq’s performance was buoyant and infused with crowd participation. His interaction was easy and candid. The delivery of his ‘flow’ tempted spectators as good music makes a person’s head nod involuntarily, especially when they rocked out the last song.

For more information on Musiq check out his website www.musiqsoulchild.com and if you haven’t bought his latest CD, “Juslisen” you need to.

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