Musiq Souldchild talks about evolving from Philly Soul into 808s

Musiq Soulchild at a press luncheon

Since the debut of Musiq Soulchild’s latest album “Onmyradio” he has received many questions about his hot sound and his growth as an artist. The album “Onmyradio,” peaked at number one on the Billboard Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart proving evolution is essential to longevity in the music industry.

Musiq Soulchild, born Taalib Johnson, made his debut in 2000 with the album “Aijuswanaseing.” The album included the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop single, “Just

Friends”. Musiq’s second single, “Love”, spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts

and has been described by many as a classic. His smooth vocals on top of funky Philly soul beats made him one of the most talked about R&B artists in the game. Since then, he has dropped five albums including the chart toppers “Luvanmusiq” in 2007 and “Juslisen.” Juslisen (Just Listen),debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Charts and quickly went platinum with hit singles, such as “Halfcrazy” and “Dontchange. The album "onmyradio"was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards. The album entered at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop

chart and is currently going steady at 21 weeks. The popular singles “Ifuleave (ft. Mary J. Blige)” which debuted at number 1 and “Sobeautiful” were immediate hits on the Billboard charts, where they have remained for weeks. “Ifuleave” has spent 31 consecutive weeks on the US Urban AC Chart, while “Sobeautiful”is still going strong at 17 weeks.

Each new project reflects a different phase in his creativity, making it easy for the singer to transcend different genres of music and appeal to a wider audience. He's incorporating genres like lock n' roll, the blues, and Caribbean music. Musiq says he didn't want to box himself in as an artist. 

“I learned everybody in the world don’t listen to R&B and neo-soul and I wanted to take that into consideration. It creates expectations," he explains. "I don’t care what anybody else is doing. I still have a job to do as an artist.”

"Onmyradio" album cover

The sound heard on “onmyradio” reflects his background in neo-soul at the same time embracing the 808s of Atlanta, Ga., his new home. The sound is new sound has taken many of his fans, who are used to being swooned by soulful ballads about the ups and downs of love and life, by surprise. The record includes hits “ifuleave” featuring Mary J. Blige, “iwannabe” featuring Damien Marley, and Musiq’s personal favorite “sobeautiful.” The sound he creates is a testament to his journey as a man.

 “The idea behind the album evolved,” he said. “I found myself discovering new things about me and I wanted to reflect that in my work.”

 The process of putting together “onmyradio” included people from past records that were instrumental in producing the style and sound that has shaped his soulful melodies. He collaborated with producers Warryn Campbell and other artists who have made their mark on hip-hop and R&B.

 “I love working with Warryn Cambpell he challenges me to push my limits. He champions me to move forward,” he said. “It was an honor top work with Mary J. Blige. We didn’t get to be in the studio together but it was an honor to have her on my album.”

Musiq also collaborated with T-Pain on the song “Reality Show” featured on T-Pain’s latest album “Thr33 Ringz” and he had nothing but good things to say about the experience.
“He is smart and talented,” Musiq said. “He is just hilarious. He is a hilarious dude. If anyone needs there own reality show it is him.”

Musiq’s has an affinity for artist who are open to new sounds especially musicians and writers who have blurred the lines of R&B and hip-hop. He is a fan of Kanye West’s latest album “808s and Heartbreaks” and was anxious about Common’s new album. He said he is also a fan of Brandy and John Legend.

His willingness to experiment with his sound can be attributed to his climb up the ladder of success. At a head strong 17 years old, the Philadelphia native left his parent’s home to live his life the way he saw fit. The decision had some unfortunate consequences. Musiq never finished high school and found himself homeless relying on the kindness of friends and strangers to make it through tough times.

 “When I did have to be out there I had to be creative with my resources. So, I am open to being more creative with my music,” he said. “It definitely contributed to my vision.”
Leaving his childhood home and eight siblings wasn’t the effect of an overwhelming urge to follow his dreams, but it was the act of a self-described “black sheep” of the family who thought he knew it all.

 “I was so rebellious,” he said. “I didn’t have the patience or tolerance to listen to anyone. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. It was a bad time. I just looked at it like the down part in a movie. I tried not to let it get to me because I knew I was meant to be someone and that I had the gift of music. Now, I see if I would have stayed in school I could do other things. There are other things that I aspire towards that I don’t have the knowledge to do. I can still do some of those things but having the knowledge would make it easier.”

 Musiq realized he does not know it all and sees every situation in life as a learning experience. His mindset allows him to embrace his maturity as an artist and share his soul and emotions with his fans.

 “I have done tremendous growth,” he said. “I can’t do the same thing I used to simply because I’ve grown so much. My sound isn’t new. It’s the same thing T.I., Ludacris and all those artists have been doing. If people could just get pass the fact that it is me doing it, they’ll appreciate it. ”

Catch Musiq Soulchild performing at Navigating Freedom, the Fort Monroe Juneteenth Festival in Hampton, VA. For more information go to fortmonroe.org