http://www.rhapsody.com/charts?cat=artist&category=genre&genreId=252&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rssTop Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody OnlineNeo-Soulen720Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:02:15 -0800 http://static.realone.com/rotw/images/logo_rhapsody_113x22.gif http://www.rhapsody.com/charts?cat=artist&category=genre&genreId=252&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2168&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:02 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2168 art.2168 Maxwell art.2168 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2168&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2168&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Urban Hang Suite. Preferring to focus on romance and true love rather than conquests and player bravado, his blend of heartfelt lyricism and hip-hop-infused production proved a surefire hit. The record went Platinum, and Maxwell received a Grammy nomination as well as awards from Soul Train and Rolling Stone. He returned with Embrya in '98, and is slated to release his third LP in early 2001. - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63587&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:51 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.63587 art.63587 Mary J. Blige art.63587 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63587&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63587&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss
Blige was born in the Bronx but spent her early years in Savannah, Georgia, where she sang in a Pentecostal church. Her family moved to suburban Yonkers, New York, where Blige continued to sing. Her first demo (recorded at a karaoke studio in a shopping mall) was a version of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture," which eventually got her signed by Andre Harrell to Uptown Records.

Blige's debut, What's the 411? (Number Six Pop, Number One R&B, 1992), mixed her affinity for classic soul (she covered Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thing") with a contemporary urban edge. The album includes cameos by rappers Grand Puba, Heavy D., C.L. Smooth, De La Soul's Mase, and EPMD's Erick Sermon. Blige first charted with "You Remind Me" (Number 29 Pop, Number One R&B, 1992), from the film Strictly Business, but it was her debut album's single "Real Love" (Number Seven Pop, Number 1 R&B, 1992) made Blige one of the biggest crossover artists of the year. In 1993 a remix album of 411 was released and the "Sweet Thing" single peaked at Number 28 on the Pop charts.

Blige's 1994 album, My Life, reached Number Seven on the Top 200 (Number One R&B) and yielded a Number Six single, "Be Happy." In 1995 Blige and the Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man [see Wu-Tang Clan entry] had a Grammy-winning smash hit with a medley of Ashford and Simpson songs, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" (Number Three Pop, Number One R&B). The track was mixed by frequent Blige collaborator and budding hip-hop kingpin Sean Combs [see entry]. In 1996 Blige's "Not Gon' Cry" (Number Two Pop, Number One R&B) was featured in the film adaptation of the Terry McMillan novel Waiting to Exhale. The single also appeared on Share My World (Number One Pop and R&B, 1997). The album yielded seven R&B hits, including "It's On" (Number Eight), featuring R. Kelly, and found Blige's music stressing the soul side of her hip-hop/soul hybrid

In 1999 Blige sang on the R&B hits of Kirk Franklin and George Michael and released Mary (Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, Number Two Pop, 1999), her fourth and most pop-leaning album. Focusing less on hard times and heartache than its predecessors, the record features uplifting music and explores themes of spirituality and self-worth. It also sports a sweeping supporting cast, including Aretha Franklin, Babyface, Eric Clapton and Elton John. "All That I Can Say" (Number Six R&B) was written and produced by hip-hop diva Lauryn Hill.

No More Drama (Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, Number Two Pop, 2001) was another chapter in her hybrid soul approach and yielded the Dr. Dre-produced dance hit "Family Affair" (Number One Pop and R&B/Hip-Hop, 2001) and the title song (Number 16 R&B/Hip-Hop, Number 15 pop, 2001). After a 2002 album of remixes, Dance for Me, Blige returned in collaboration with P. Diddy on Love & Life (Number One Pop and R&B/Hip-Hop, 2004). Despite high expectations, the album received tepid reviews.

Her 2005 album The Breakthrough (Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, 2005; Number One Pop, 2006) lived up to its title, giving Blige a string of hits including "Be Without You" (Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, Number Three Pop, 2005), "Enough Cryin'" (Number Two R&B/Hip-Hop, Number 32 pop, 2006) and a lower charting duet with U2 on the band's song "One." The Breakthrough won Blige three Grammys in 2007: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song ("Be Without You") and Best R&B Album.

As of 2008, Blige's late-2007 album Growing Pains (Number One, R&B/Hip-Hop and Pop, 2008) yielded the hit "Just Fine" (Number Three R&B/Hip-Hop, Number 22 Pop, 2008).

Blige began an acting career in the late Nineties and has since made numerous appearances on TV (The Jamie Foxx Show, Strong Medicine, Ghost Whisperer, Entourage), as wall as roles in the independent film Prison Song and off-Broadway play The Exonerated. She is slated to portray the late jazz/blues/soul singer Nina Simone in a 2009 MTV-produced biopic.

In 2003, after spending much of the Nineties in a turbulent, high-profile relationship with Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey of Jodeci, Blige married her manager Martin Kendu Isaacs, whom she has said helped her overcome drugs and alcohol. In 2006, the singer, whose songs often are of a confessional nature, appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in an interview in which she talked frankly about her traumatic childhood and battles with substance abuse. That year, Blige released the anthology Reflections (A Retrospective) (Number Two R&B/Hip-Hop). ]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69094&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:28 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.69094 art.69094 R. Kelly art.69094 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69094&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69094&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Double Up and another thrilling (and equally bewildering) 10 chapters of "Trapped in the Closet," there is little doubt that R. Kelly is one of the most accomplished R&B singers of his generation. - Jessy Terry]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2729&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2729 art.2729 Janet Jackson art.2729 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2729&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2729&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss
As a young child, Jackson was a tomboy who aspired to be a jockey. When she was seven, though, her father, Joseph, encouraged her to join her brothers — by then famous as the Jackson 5 — in their music and variety act. (Sister La Toya joined them for several shows in 1974; the following year, La Toya, eldest sister Rebbie, and brother Randy were all in on the act, while brother Jermaine bowed out.) Shows in Las Vegas resulted in a summer-replacement TV show in 1976 (on CBS), which led Janet to roles on the popular sitcoms Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes.

Next, Jackson secured a contract with A&M Records, and in 1982, while still managed and creatively guided by her father, she released a forgettable debut album, Janet Jackson. The album did yield a Number Six R&B single, "Young Love." Another TV role, on the series Fame, followed, as did another unremarkable album, 1984's Dream Street, and another R&B hit, "Don't Stand Another Chance" (Number Nine). Also in 1984, at the age of 18, Jackson defied her family by marrying singer James DeBarge, whose fledgling R&B sibling act DeBarge was being hyped as a successor to the Jacksons. The marriage was annulled after less than a year; but the seeds of Jackson's independence from the family dynasty, and her father in particular, were firmly planted.

Then John McClain, an A&M executive and family friend, suggested that Jackson work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of the Time. Collaborating with these musician/writer/producers, Jackson recorded her breakthrough album, 1986's Control, which topped the pop and R&B album charts and spawned numerous hits: "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Number Four pop, Number One R&B), "Nasty" (Number Three pop, Number One R&B), "When I Think of You" (Number One pop, Number three R&B), and, in 1987, "Control" (Number Five pop, Number one R&B), "Let's Wait Awhile" (Number Two pop, Number 1 R&B), and "The Pleasure Principle" (Number 14 pop, Number One R&B). Helping fuel these singles were Jackson's highly energized, elaborately staged videos, most of which featured movie-musical-inspired choreography by Paula Abdul, who was discovered by Jackie Jackson, Abdul's boyfriend during her L.A. Lakers cheerleading days.

Having asserted her adulthood and self-reliance with Control, by 1987 Jackson had dismissed her father as manager (as other siblings had done before her) before recording Rhythm Nation 1814. Control's successor dealt with larger social issues, like the need for tolerance, and found Jam and Lewis assuming more of the songwriting duties. (Years later, Jackson would also credit her boyfriend, Rene Elizondo Jr., for contributing ideas to many of her songs beginning with this album; it was known that he helped choreograph, and eventually directed, some of her videos.) Rhythm Nation hit Number One in the pop and R&B categories in 1989, and generated the smash singles "Miss You Much" (Number One pop and R&B) and, in 1990, "Rhythm Nation" (Number Two pop, Number One R&B), "Escapade" (Number One pop, Number One R&B), "Alright" (Number Four pop, Number Two R&B), "Come Back to Me" (Number Two pop, Number Two R&B), "Black Cat" (Number One pop, Number Ten R&B), and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" (Number One pop, Number Three R&B). To promote the album, Jackson embarked on her first major tour, which matched the energy and spectacle of her videos.

In 1991 Virgin Records owner Richard Branson lured Jackson away from A&M with a contract worth more than $30 million. Her last original hit with A&M was a 1992 duet with Luther Vandross, "The Best Things in Life Are Free" (Number Ten pop, Number One R&B), recorded for the soundtrack to the film Mo' Money. In 1993 Jackson made her own movie debut as the heroine (opposite rapper Tupac Shakur) of director/screenwriter John Singleton's Poetic Justice, for which she received lukewarm reviews but an Oscar nomination for the song "Again."

That same year, Jackson's Virgin album janet. shot to the top of the pop and R&B charts, as did the single "That's the Way Love Goes." More Top 10 singles followed, including "If" (Number Four pop, Number Three R&B, 1993) and "Again" (Number one pop, Number Seven R&B, 1994). Her new material was just as confrontational, and more aggressively sexual, than her previous work had been; ditto for the accompanying tour, which featured Jackson in midriff-baring costumes, interacting suggestively with male dancers — indeed, more reminiscent of Madonna than Michael. While Janet's once squeaky-clean image wasn't shattered by scandal as her brother's was, it was clear by the early 1990s that the littlest Jackson was nobody's baby, and very much her own woman.

Jackson's status as a hitmaker led her to help her brother Michael regain some credibility by collaborating with him on the duet and elaborate video for "Scream" (Number Five pop, Number Two R&B) in 1995. The same year, she also had a solo hit with "Runaway" (Number Three pop, Number six R&B). She'd continue to please her fans with her next album, The Velvet Rope (Number One pop, Number Two R&B), in 1997. At times still sensual in nature — including a cover of Rod Stewart's seduction song "Tonight's the Night," without a change in the gender of the woman being sung to — much of the album had a melancholy feel and self-doubting lyrics. While doing interviews to promote the album and its tour, Jackson admitted to dealing with depression and long-standing self-esteem issues while working on the album. It did produce its share of hits, including "Got 'Til It's Gone" (Number Three R&B, 1997), based around a sample of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" and featuring the rapper Q-Tip, "Together Again" (Number One pop, Number Eight R&B, 1997), and "I Get Lonely" (Number Three pop, Number 1 R&B, 1998), featuring the group BLACKstreet. In 1999 she enjoyed a hit with Busta Rhymes, "What's It Gonna Be?!," which hit the top of the R&B singles chart.

But Jackson's life wasn't everything it appeared to be. Fans were surprised when, in 2000, Jackson's longtime creative and romantic partner, Elizondo, filed for divorce from the singer after nine years of marriage. Although Elizondo was seen as a loving, stable presence in Jackson's life, it had not been public knowledge that the couple had ever married. Jackson explained that she'd wanted to protect the union from media scrutiny. Also in 2000 Jackson returned to acting, costarring with Eddie Murphy in Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, which featured Jackson's "Doesn't Really Matter" (Number One, 2000). The following year she released the double-platinum All for You (Number 1, 2001), featuring the Grammy-winning Number One title track, as well as "Someone to Call My Lover" (Number Three, 2001), which included a loop of America's "Ventura Highway," and "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)," a Missy Elliott remix featuring the vocals of Carly Simon from her Seventies hit "You're So Vain."

On February 1, 2004, Jackson returned to the public eye with a halftime performance with Justin Timberlake at Super Bowl XXXVIII. The duet on his song "Rock Your Body" created huge controversy when the bustier Jackson was wearing tore open and exposed her right breast just as Timberlake sang the lyrics, "gonna have you naked by the end of this song." Jackson apologized for the incident, claiming it was a "wardrobe malfunction," and the three producers of the show — CBS, sister network MTV and the National Football League — all denied previous knowledge of the incident and abdicated responsibility for it. The display became the most-searched event in the history of the Internet, according to the Guinness World Records. And its ramifications were far-reaching. When Jackson declined to apologize to the network without claiming the incident was a wardrobe malfunction, she was denied a performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards. Record producer Jermaine Dupri, with whom Jackson had begun a relationship, resigned his position on the Grammy Awards committee. ABC stopped plans for Jackson to star in a made-for-television biopic on the life of Lena Horne when Horne expressed displeasure with the Super Bowl incident.

When Jackson's new album, Damita Jo (Number Two, 2004), arrived three months later, its highly sexual theme revealed what some interpreted to have been an elaborate marketing plan that began with the Super Bowl incident. In a soft-spoken remark at the end of the song "Sexhibition," Jackson says, "Relax, it's just sex." If it was a marketing ploy, though, it was a failure. Damita Jo produced no Top Forty pop singles — although "I Want You" reached Number 18 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart — and MTV aired none of its video. The album also met with vicious reviews, one critic calling it "the aural equivalent of hardcore pornography."

Two years later, Jackson rebounded slightly with one of the least sexual albums of her career, 20 Y.O. (Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, Number Two pop, 2006). One of its singles, "Call on Me," a duet with rapper Nelly, sold moderately, charting respectably at Number 25 pop and Number One R&B/Hip-Hop, but other singles were less successful. However, when she appeared on the cover of US Weekly that June, the issue was the magazine's biggest seller ever. In late 2007 Jackson appeared alongside Tyler Perry in the film Why Did I Get Married?, which opened at Number One at the box office, grossing $55 million. With her Virgin Records contract fulfilled, Jackson moved to Island Records for 2008's Discipline, which topped both the pop and R&B/Hip-Hop album charts and produced a hit in its first single, "Feedback" (Number 19 R&B/Hip-Hop).]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.48841&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:16 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.48841 art.48841 Alicia Keys art.48841 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.48841&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.48841&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Songs in a Minor, and subsequent singles have proven she's no one-hit wonder. She took home five Grammy Awards in 2002 (including Best New Artist and Song of the Year), and returned triumphantly with The Diary of Alicia Keys the following year, racking up more hit singles ("You Don't Know My Name," "If I Ain't Got You"), and winning four more Grammys. 2007's As I Am spawned the unstoppable "No One" and the Prince-infused "Like You'll Never See Me Again." One of the most talented and likeable R&B superstars in the game today, Keys shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6432383&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:05 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6432383 art.6432383 John Legend art.6432383 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6432383&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6432383&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss The College Dropout. After releasing several self-made CDs, Legend dropped his highly anticipated major label debut Get Lifted in early 2005. The single "Ordinary People" is the sort of sweet lovers' lullaby that will haunt Valentine's Day for years to come, and it solidified Legend's status as one of R&B's most promising young talents. For his next project, 2006's Once Again, Legend refined his brand of martini soul, plucking elements of classic pop and '70s soul for an album that was every bit as popular and as satisfying as its predecessor. The 2008 release Evolver found the singer employing a more modern sound. - Sam Chennault]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.44063&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Funk Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:16 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.44063 art.44063 Prince art.44063 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.44063&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.44063&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Purple Rain-crazed '80s, but that seems due more to bad publicity surrounding his tabloid lifestyle than his musical output. He can't hide the fact that he is an odd, fuzzy little man, but genius doesn't come in perfect packages. While legions of Prince's contemporaries crash and burn, he sits in his Minneapolis tower and continues to expand the boundaries of popular music. - Nick Dedina]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20554979&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 6 Dec 2009 09:55:40 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.20554979 art.20554979 Adele art.20554979 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20554979&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20554979&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss 19. Inspired by great soul dames like Etta James and Billie Holiday and other singers such as Bjork, Jeff Buckley, Dusty Springfield and Jill Scott, Adele's sense of staggering, heartbreaking honesty and artistry are evidence of her superwoman resilience and everywoman experiences. - Angela Bruno]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6479139&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Adult Alternative Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:30 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6479139 art.6479139 Ray LaMontagne art.6479139 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6479139&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6479139&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss A Hard Day's Night, that he suddenly knew that the magic sounding, jangly chime was gong to be his trademark sound. For Ray LaMontagne, the calling came over the speakers of a shoe factory he was working in. More specifically, it was "Tree Top Flyer" by Stephen Stills that stopped him dead in his tracks when he knew that he had to leave his job and pursue a singing/songwriting career. Having grown up in a nomadic family, it wasn't too unfamiliar for LaMontagne to suddenly pick up and start over, which is exactly what he did. Ten recorded demo songs later, he was inking a deal with Chrysalis Music Publishing before teaming up with Hollywood producer Ethan Johns to cut his debut album Trouble which was almost instantly nabbed by RCA Records in 2004. Although LaMontagne is often compared to Tim Buckley, his voice sounds not unlike a young Van Morrison or even Ryan Adams. - Eric Shea]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17441732&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:42 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.17441732 art.17441732 Leona Lewis art.17441732 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17441732&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17441732&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss The X Factor and became a huge international pop star nearly overnight. Lewis began writing songs at 12 and winning local talent contests around London a few years later. Her big pipes earned her an instant following in the UK (here toothsome good looks probably didn't hurt either) before she even released her first single, "A Moment Like This," in December of 2006. That single set records by being downloaded over 50,000 times in 30 minutes and was followed the next year by her debut LP, Spirit, which had its songs and producers selected jointly by record moguls Simon Cowell and Clive Davis. - Nate Cavalieri]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.58646&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Trip-Hop Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:52:48 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.58646 art.58646 Zero 7 art.58646 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.58646&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.58646&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Simple Things, Zero 7 started making waves with a series of EPs and remixes, including Radiohead's "Climbing Up The Walls" and Lenny Kravitz's "If You Can't Say No." Soul vocalists Mozez, Sia Fuller, and Sophie Barker take their downtempo sound into the mainstream, yet their music shows no inclination to sell out. - Nicholas Baker]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.24048004&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:47 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.24048004 art.24048004 Anjulie art.24048004 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.24048004&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.24048004&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.47949&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Retro Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:06 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.47949 art.47949 Anthony Hamilton art.47949 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.47949&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.47949&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss XTC, in 1996. Sporting a classic vocal style different from the neo-soul crooners who were then coming into vogue, the LP got good reviews but failed to generate much hype. Hamilton soon started writing songs for artists like Donell Jones, toured with D'Angelo and sang on records by Eve and Tupac, among others. He finally hit the big-time in 2002 after teaming up with Nappy Roots for their single "Po' Folks" and earning a Grammy nomination in the process. Hamilton then hooked up with Jermaine Dupri, who signed him to So So Def and produced Comin' From Where I'm From in 2003. A steady stream of records followed, including the archival collections Soulife and Southern Comfort, and 2008's The Point of It All. - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18858600&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Retro Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:30 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.18858600 art.18858600 Duffy art.18858600 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18858600&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18858600&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Ready Steady Go!, the grainy performances of the Beatles and Stones left an indelible impression. By the time she was 15, she was singing in bands herself, and at 23 she had truncated her name, buddied up to Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and signed to A&M. She instantly captured the manic adoration of the British media, who heralded the Welsh singer as the most recent in a line of playful, soul-inspired pop singers like Amy Winehouse. Her music certainly hitches itself to the Winehouse wagon with its ice-cold '60s grooves and Dusty Springfield influence, but Duffy's squeaky-clean image makes her a curious foil. - Nate Cavalieri]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3811&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:42 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3811 art.3811 Ginuwine art.3811 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3811&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3811&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.37897&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:58 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.37897 art.37897 India.Arie art.37897 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.37897&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.37897&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Acoustic Soul. The album was not a blockbuster but it did produce some singles with considerable staying power, including "Video" and "Brown Skin." Arie also garnered a few Grammy nominations out of the deal. More importantly, Arie has become the darling little sister of the Neo-Soul set, garnering comparisons to artists like Jill Scott and Macy Gray for her conscious lyrics and vibrant, organic sound.]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54907&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:06 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.54907 art.54907 Musiq (Soulchild) art.54907 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54907&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54907&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. In fall of 2000 he released his debut album Aijuswanaseing, a laid-back mix of full-bodied bass grooves, sensitive lyrics, and jazzy beats. - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62156&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:38:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.62156 art.62156 Jill Scott art.62156 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62156&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62156&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Who Is Jill Scott? -- featuring earthy funk backing from fellow Philly friends, the aforementioned Roots. Her voice has a feel very similar to Badu's, rising with jazzy flourishes and guaranteed sensuality on each track, covering everything from relationships to sunny afternoons of her youth. Hopefully we'll hear a lot more of Scott as her individuality emerges. - Jessy Terry]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3172&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:04 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3172 art.3172 Erykah Badu art.3172 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3172&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3172&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Baduizm, her debut album, dropped in 1997. Although her unflappable, purring vocals garnered well-deserved comparisons to the legendary Billie Holiday, Badu, who was born Erica Wright, got her start with some of today's hottest acts, beginning with D'Angelo, whom she opened for in her hometown of Dallas in 1994. That show led to a record contract, collaborations with artists such as the Roots, and Baduizm, written almost entirely by Badu. She followed her triple-platinum, Grammy-winning debut with a successful 1998 live album (which included the hit song "Tyrone") and Mama's Gun, which Badu released in 2000 after taking some time off to raise the son she had with Outkast's Andre 3000. Badu worked through the writer's block that followed by organizing the Frustrated Artist Tour and releasing EP Worldwide Underground in 2003. Five years passed (during which she reportedly completed three albums' worth of material) before Badu put out her next studio album, 2008's New Amerykah. - Rachel Devitt]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3865&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3865 art.3865 Brian McKnight art.3865 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3865&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3865&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9407732&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:58 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.9407732 art.9407732 Corinne Bailey Rae art.9407732 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9407732&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9407732&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Corinne Bailey Rae charmed U.K. music lovers with a handful of organic, soul-infused gems such as "Put Your Record On" and "Like a Star." - Linda Ryan]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7485163&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:52:48 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.7485163 art.7485163 Robin Thicke art.7485163 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7485163&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7485163&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Growing Pains and penned family-friendly theme songs for game shows like Wheel of Fortune and (with Loring) sitcoms like Diff'rent Strokes. After dabbling in acting as a kid, he set his sights on a career in music, and was fortunate enough to befriend Andre Herrell, the president of Uptown Records. He began writing pop hits for artists like Mya, Christina Aguilera and Marc Anthony, while focusing his own oeuvre more on the funkiest blue-eyed soul this side of Jamiroquai. Songs like "When I Get You Alone," which sampled Walter Murphy's disco hit "A Fifth of Beethoven," made fans out of the likes of Usher and Pharrell, who signed him to the Neptunes' Star Trak label. - Rachel Devitt]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.35874&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:25:01 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.35874 art.35874 Lauryn Hill art.35874 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.35874&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.35874&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that Hill's remarkable talent for meshing hip-hop, R&B, and classic soul fully came to light. Blessed with a velvety, honeyed voice and an instinctive feel for catchy, soulful grooves, Miseducation had a hit hiding in every track. While not as musically complex as some other contemporary R&B, the album struck a chord with millions of listeners. Urban themes and female empowerment met middle-class nostalgia head-on amidst equal parts Stevie Wonder, Coasters, and original, fresh hip-hop flows. No wonder a raft of talented colleagues couldn't wait to collaborate with Hill: Miseducation sees duets with Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, and guitar licks by the likes of Carlos Santana on the heartbreaking ballad "Zion." - Sarah Bardeen]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4455&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:37 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.4455 art.4455 Babyface art.4455 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4455&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4455&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Lovers, in 1986, which lead to six more solo discs by the end of the '90s. His lovelorn crooning won him legions of diehard fans, and also led to a greatest hits compilation in 2000. In addition to his own extensive catalog, Babyface has crafted songs for a wide array of R&B and Pop stars, including Paula Abdul, Mary J. Blige, and Boyz II Men. - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.57934&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Acid Jazz Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:05 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.57934 art.57934 Jamiroquai art.57934 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.57934&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.57934&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20779033&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:37 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.20779033 art.20779033 Jazmine Sullivan art.20779033 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20779033&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20779033&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67076&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Retro Soul Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:30 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.67076 art.67076 Joss Stone art.67076 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67076&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67076&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Soul Sessions, was released in late 2003 to much critical praise. Her breakthrough single, a stunning version of the White Stripes' "Fell in Love With a Girl" (except she called it "Fell in Love With a Boy") helped her cultivate an audience and broadened her fan base. Stone's sophomore album, Mind, Body & Soul, was released in September 2004. - Linda Ryan]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.33932&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:54 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.33932 art.33932 Avant art.33932 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.33932&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.33932&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.16251391&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:53:42 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.16251391 art.16251391 Laura Izibor art.16251391 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.16251391&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.16251391&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Let the Truth Be Told, took four years, but by the time it came out in England in 2009, Izibor had opened for James Brown, John Legend, Estelle and the Roots. - Rachel Devitt]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2842&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:52:15 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2842 art.2842 Jagged Edge art.2842 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2842&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2842&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss J.E. Heartbreak and have continued their chart pyrotechnics with 2001's Jagged Little Thrill. Yet despite the few rap-infused mid-tempo numbers, at their heart Jagged Edge are sensitive balladeers with words to say on a variety of domestic issues.]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3363&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:52:26 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3363 art.3363 Eric Benet art.3363 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3363&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3363&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss A Day In the Life has taken Eric Benet from "promising talent" category to full-fledged pop star status. Benet is one of the finest contemporary R&B performers because he keeps his ear tuned to the feel of Classic Soul and Smooth Jazz while avoiding sounding like a retro-act. If he continues to build on the promise of A Day he should have a long and fruitful career ahead of him. Some of his affirmative lyrics touch on spiritual themes. - Nick Dedina]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63595&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.63595 art.63595 Jaheim art.63595 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63595&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63595&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.283&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.283 art.283 Aaliyah art.283 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.283&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.283&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39016&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:20:21 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.39016 art.39016 Raphael Saadiq art.39016 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39016&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39016&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss
The young man soon began picking up instruments himself, and by the time he was 18 he'd already scored a slot of Prince's 1984 World Parade tour. Following that jaunt, he formed Tony! Toni! Tone! with brother Dwayne Wiggins and cousin Timothy Christian. The group found immediate success with the single "Little Walter." Their debut album, Who?, quickly followed. It was generally straightforward, paint-by-the-numbers R&B that mixed elements of gospel and early hip-hop underpinnings with the New Jack swing production that was popularized by producer Teddy Riley and his many disciples. The group's biggest hit, however, would come with their sophomore album, 1990's The Revival. The upbeat party anthem "Feels Good" was ubiquitous.

Though the album sold upwards of six million copies, Saadiq felt that it was time to leave and go solo. He did not find immediate success in his solo career, and by the late '90s he had formed the supergroup Lucy Pearl along with Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Mohammad and En Vogue's Dawn Robinson. But while the group looked great on paper, and even produced some tasty results in songs such as "Dance Tonight" and "Hollywood," their self-titled debut failed to capture the imaginations of consumers, and the group disbanded following its release. By that time, Saadiq was focusing more on producing and worked with everyone from Macy Gray to D'Angelo. His laid-back grooves, wobbly melodies and jazz licks helped establish the sonic template for neo-soul. He even won a Grammy in 2000 for his work on D'Angelo's "Untitled." Suddenly, Saadiq was an in-demand producer, and he found himself working with mainstream acts such as Snoop, TLC and Kelis.

Saadiq released his first solo album in 2002, Instant Vintage. As the title implied, the album's music drew from classic black music forms. The hip-hop underpinnings of previous work were largely absent; instead, he focused on melding gospel, jazz and soul into a more progressive (and very unique) sound that the producer dubbed "gospeldelica." The album was a critical smash and earned Saadiq five Grammy nods. And while 2004's Ray Ray didn't garner the level of critical support, it found Saadiq once again drawing upon classic black music to push things forward. This time the focus was on the funk, and tracks such as "Chic" and "This One" are among the strongest in Saadiq's catalog. - Sam Chennault]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4919&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:03 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.4919 art.4919 D'Angelo art.4919 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4919&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4919&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Brown Sugar left other artists in the dust as he successfully bridged the sounds of the '60s and '70s with modern hip-hop and R&B influences. His singing has a high, soulful tone with touches of Prince and Marvin Gaye, working perfectly with his live instrumental backing of subharmonic bass and slick drum breaks (as well as self-taught skills on a variety of vintage keys.) With his second album, Voodoo, D'Angelo continued to excel, recruiting the tight drumming and production skills of ?uestlove of the Roots, as well as a host of guests, including Q-Tip, Method Man, DJ Premier, Lauryn Hill, Redman, Charlie Hunter and Roy Hargrove. - Jessy Terry]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9390&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:10 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.9390 art.9390 Angie Stone art.9390 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9390&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.9390&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62166&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:56 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.62166 art.62166 Macy Gray art.62166 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62166&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62166&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Ten Speed and Brown Shoe than to the real polyester decade. But this isn't a bad thing -- why remake the past when people like Curtis Mayfield did it so well the first time? Gray puts her own spin on classic soul with lyrics that don't get dewy-eyed for a past that never was. A winner when stacked up against today's R&B superstars. - Nick Dedina]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62162&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:37 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.62162 art.62162 Dru Hill art.62162 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62162&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62162&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Enter The Dru. The following year Sisqo went solo, releasing Unleash The Dragon, which featured the radio-dominating smash hit "Thong Song." - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7328&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:31 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.7328 art.7328 SWV art.7328 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7328&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.7328&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss It's About Time (produced by Teddy Riley) went double platinum on the strength of several chart-scorching singles and led to award nominations from the Grammys, AMAs, and The Source. A remix EP followed and soon went Gold. Their second proper album New Beginning dropped in '96, and their third LP features collaborations with an array of superstar rappers including Puff Daddy, Redman, Lil' Kim, Snoop Dogg, and E-40. The trio released a Christmas album in '97 and broke up in '98. A greatest hits package appeared in '99, as did Coko's solo album Hot Coko. - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.444&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:16:45 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.444 art.444 112 art.444 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.444&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.444&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65327&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:20:21 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.65327 art.65327 Dwele art.65327 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65327&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65327&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Subject and the breakthrough single "Find a Way." After some time on the road, he released his sophomore LP, Some Kinda, in 2005. Sketches of a Man (2008) is signature Dwele -- smooth, seductive and true to his Detroit roots. - Angela Bruno]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.55566&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:09 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.55566 art.55566 Floetry art.55566 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.55566&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.55566&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Floetic, released in the fall of 2002. In addition to their own work, they are highly successful songwriters for other artists, including Michael Jackson ("Butterflies'), and Jill Scott ("Love Again"). - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63586&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Sun, 6 Dec 2009 09:55:53 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.63586 art.63586 Tyrese art.63586 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63586&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.63586&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss 2000 Watts that put him on the map as far as the charts were concerned. In the interim between albums, the model/singer added 'actor' to his accomplishments, dabbling (and finding success) in films like 2 Fast 2 Furious. On fourth album Alter Ego, Tyrese returned to the boudoir and tried his hand at hip hop, devoting the second disc of the album to "Black Ty," his emcee persona. - Rachel Devitt]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3072&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:30 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3072 art.3072 Faith Evans art.3072 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3072&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3072&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2425&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:56:37 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2425 art.2425 Deborah Cox art.2425 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2425&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2425&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.61031&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Quiet Storm Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:41:04 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.61031 art.61031 Kem art.61031 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.61031&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.61031&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Kemistry was released on Motown in 2003, Kem II followed in the Summer of 2005 - Brolin Winning]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6876270&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:20:29 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6876270 art.6876270 Ledisi art.6876270 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6876270&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6876270&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Lost and Found, in 2007. It's a dream come true for a woman who started singing professionally when she was just eight years old, growing up in New Orleans. After her family relocated to Oakland, Calif., Ledisi (whose name means "to bring forth" in Yoruba) began studying music and landed a regular gig in the comedy/singing revue Beach Blanket Babylon. She also formed a band and began regular local gigs. Despite a Bay Area following, Ledisi met with indifference at most major labels. She started her own label, LeSun, with her friend Sundra, and released Soulsinger in 2000. She's also recorded a jazz album with Marcus Shelby, though it was her work on an Ella Fitzgerald tribute album that convinced Verve to take a chance on her. - Sarah Bardeen]]> http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20674&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary R&B Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:38:16 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.20674 art.20674 Coko art.20674 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20674&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.20674&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.10366199&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:50:54 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.10366199 art.10366199 Elliott Yamin art.10366199 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.10366199&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.10366199&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54739&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Neo-Soul Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:06:58 -0800 Top Neo-Soul Artists on Rhapsody Online art.54739 art.54739 Craig David art.54739 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54739&variant=play&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.54739&variant=data&rws=%2Fsoul-r-b%2Fsoul%2Fneo-soul%2Fartist-chart.rss Born To Do It on a largely unsuspecting, but highly appreciative, public. Accolades from the likes of Bono, Sting, J-Lo and Elton John followed, as did gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. Proving that his innovative blend of soul, hip-hop and 2-step was no fluke, David followed with his sophomore effort, Slicker Than Your Average. Featuring electrically-charged blips and bleeps and robotic beats, Slicker... established the soulful singer as the king of the UK 2-step scene, and solidified his reputation as a true creative force in contemporary R&B. - Linda Ryan]]>