Neo Soul Sound Session: Contributing Artist Mix - Vol. 1

By Sean
Editor-in-Chief, Neo Soul Today

This Neo Soul Sound Session introduces a series of exclusive Neo Soul Today mixes called Contributing Artist Mixes. These mixes are devoted entirely to artists that we do not consider to be neo soul artists. Rather, they are artists from other genres that contribute to the neo soul art form every so often (For more background on the distinction between neo soul artists and contributing artists, see my July 17, 2005 post entitled "Neo Soul Lexicon: Neo Soul Artists vs. Contributing Artists.")

My intention for this first volume of the Neo Soul Today Contributing Artist Mix is multi-faceted. First, I wanted to create a carefully-crafted compilation of scintillating tracks that span the different sounds of neo soul. Second, I wanted to pull together some neo soul tracks that connect with the soul in different ways (ranging from inducing the urge to stand up, dance, and sing to yourself aloud to sitting back and reflecting on relationships). However, thirdly (and most importantly), I wanted to pull together these tracks to reinforce the notion that many great neo soul songs are not always made by neo soul artists. All of the tracks in this mix are made by artists whose core competency is in other genres such as mainstream R&B, hip hop, and house/dance.

I must admit, this is one mean mix! I hope you enjoy it and I welcome your feedback via comments.

Listen to the Neo Soul Today "Contributing Artist Mix - Vol. 1"

"Contributing Artist Mix - Vol. 1" Track Listing
1. No Tears - Pete Rock (feat. Leela James), Soul Survivor II
(neo soul sound: R&B)
2. Hop, Skip and Jump - Pete Rock, The Surviving Elements (From Soul Survivor II Sessions)
(neo soul sound: hip hop)
3. Pimp Strut - Pete Rock, The Surviving Elements (From Soul Survivor II Sessions)
(neo soul sound: hip hop)
4. Twisted - Ultra Nate, Twisted - Single
(neo soul sound: electronic)
5. Believe - Raheem DeVaughn, The Love Experience
(neo soul sound: R&B)
6. Falling - Gaelle, Transient
(neo soul sound: house)
7. Free - Jaguar Wright, Divorcing Neo 2 Marry Soul
(neo soul sound: R&B)
8. Show The World - Ladybug Mecca, Trip The Light Fantastic
(neo soul sound: world)
9. Willing & Waiting - Mary J. Blige, Love & Life
(neo soul sound: R&B)
10. If I Need to Move On (Sometimes) - Ladybug Mecca, If I Need to Move On (Sometimes) - Single
(neo soul sound: hip hop)
11. Let No Man Put Asunder - Mary J. Blige, Mary (Limited Edition)
(neo soul sound: house)