Musiq Soulchild is an 11-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. He rose to be among the most influential voices of neo-soul in the early 2000s. He draws from jazz, blues, funk, rap, reggae, classic R&B, hip-hop and more. More than a decade later, the self-described "hip-hop soul" artist continues to take musical risks. But he tells WMUK's Earlene McMichael that he will soon be releasing an album reuniting him with the soul flavor that launched his career, a sound he plans to bring to his Feb. 13 show at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Click on icon to hear our interview with him, with a bonus extended version as well.)
Musiq Soulchild spoke last week with McMichael by phone from the Philadelphia-born singer's adopted home of Atlanta for an interview that airs today on WMUK's Arts & More show (2/6). He says his Kalamazoo performance will definitely include his more popular tunes. Fans can expect to hear more of the "hip-hop soul" sound that he loves on the new "Life on Earth" album set to drop April 8, he says.
The interview is a good primer for those unfamiliar with Musiq Soulchild's work as he talks about how he got his start and his stage name. Those who already know him may enjoy hearing about his latest musical projects, why his songs often deal with relationships, his favorite songs, the three artists that most influence his artistry and the changing tides in the R&B business. "So Beautiful," "Teach Me," "The Husel," "Chocolate High" and "Just Friends" are among the tracks played. Click here for his complete discography.
Musiq Soulchild likes to reach new audiences as well. So he’s been experimenting with an off-shoot of hip-hop and rap that uses heavy auto-tune. He does it under the alter-ego name of The Husel but laments that some fans loved him the way he was. And that, he says, makes it hard for a creative artist like himself to switch it up from time to time -- and to grow. (He expounds further in the extended interview below.)
Musiq Soulchild's newest persona – Purple WondaLuv – produces music with jazz and blues influences and espouses peace.
This interview will air on WMUK's Arts & More show on Saturday (2/6) around 10:45 a.m. after "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me."