If you’re a fan of soul music, then you’ve probably heard of neo soul. This genre emerged in the 1990s and combines elements of classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop. It’s characterized by smooth vocals, mellow grooves, and socially conscious lyrics. In this post, we’ll explore the best neo soul artists to watch out for in 2022.
What is Neo Soul?
Neo soul is a subgenre of soul music that emerged in the 1990s. It’s characterized by a blend of classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Neo soul artists often incorporate elements of jazz and funk into their music, resulting in a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. The genre is known for its socially conscious lyrics, which tackle issues like race, politics, and relationships.
Neo soul has been growing in popularity in recent years, with a new wave of artists emerging on the scene. These artists are putting their own spin on the genre, blending classic soul with modern R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. Here are some of the best neo soul artists to watch out for in 2022.
The Best Neo Soul Artists in 2022
1. H.E.R.
H.E.R. is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the neo soul scene since 2016. Her music is characterized by smooth vocals, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics. She’s known for her hit songs like “Focus” and “Best Part,” which showcase her ability to blend soul, R&B, and hip-hop seamlessly.
H.E.R. has been gaining steam in recent years, with a string of successful albums and collaborations. Her music has been praised for its emotional depth and social commentary, tackling issues like police brutality, mental health, and self-love. She’s also known for her impressive guitar skills, which she often showcases in her live performances.
2. Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Aalegra is a Swedish singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the neo soul scene since 2017. Her music is characterized by soulful vocals, mellow grooves, and introspective lyrics. She’s known for her hit songs like “I Want You Around” and “Whoa,” which showcase her ability to blend classic soul with modern R&B.
Snoh Aalegra’s music has been praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability, tackling issues like heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery. Her music has a timeless quality to it, with influences ranging from Marvin Gaye to Lauryn Hill. She’s also known for her captivating live performances, which often feature stripped-down arrangements and intimate storytelling.
3. Lucky Daye
Lucky Daye is an American singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the neo soul scene since 2018. His music is characterized by smooth vocals, funky grooves, and socially conscious lyrics. He’s known for his hit songs like “Roll Some Mo” and “Real Games,” which showcase his ability to blend classic soul with modern R&B and hip-hop.
Lucky Daye’s music has been praised for its genre-bending approach, blending elements of soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop. His lyrics often tackle issues like love, heartbreak, and social justice, with a perspective that’s both personal and political. He’s also known for his dynamic live performances, which often feature a full band and plenty of energy.
4. Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox is an American singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the neo soul scene since 2016. Her music is characterized by soulful vocals, mellow grooves, and introspective lyrics. She’s known for her hit songs like “Shea Butter Baby” and “Up Late,” which showcase her ability to blend classic soul with modern R&B.
Ari Lennox’s music has been praised for its sultry, laid-back vibe, with influences ranging from Erykah Badu to Jill Scott. Her lyrics often explore themes of self-love, empowerment, and sexuality, with a perspective that’s both honest and relatable. She’s also known for her engaging live performances, which often feature a mix of old and new material.
5. Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter who has been making waves in the neo soul scene since 2014. His music is characterized by smooth vocals, funky grooves, and socially conscious lyrics. He’s known for his hit songs like “Come Down” and “Tints,” which showcase his ability to blend classic soul with modern R&B and hip-hop.
Anderson .Paak’s music has been praised for its eclectic sound, blending elements of soul, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. His lyrics often explore themes of social justice, love, and self-discovery, with a perspective that’s both personal and political. He’s also known for his high-energy live performances, which often feature a full band and plenty of audience interaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neo soul is a genre of music that’s characterized by a blend of classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop. It’s known for its smooth vocals, mellow grooves, and socially conscious lyrics. The neo soul artists listed above are some of the best in the game, putting their own spin on the genre and pushing it forward into new territory. If you’re a fan of soul music, then you should definitely check them out. They’re sure to impress and inspire.