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Last updated on October 31, 2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Gnarls Barkley - Who CaresGnarls Barkley’s "Who Cares?" from their 2006 debut album *St. Elsewhere* offers a sharp blend of electro-soul, embodying the duo's signature style. Led by the unmistakable vocals of CeeLo Green and produced by Danger Mouse, the track explores themes of apathy and detachment with a dark, introspective edge. Alongside *St. Elsewhere’s* breakout hit "Crazy," "Who Cares?" remains rooted in a sound that weaves retro soul elements with modern electronic flourishes, encapsulating Gnarls Barkley's distinct sonic fusion. The music video is directed by Barney Clay. Writer(s) : Dennis Douglas,Patrick Hambly,Stephen Burton,Timothy Stephen Young,Keith Mansfield Publisher(s) : Starfighters Featured on the 2006 album St. Elsewhere
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 2 . De La Soul - All Good?Collaboration between De La Soul and the legendary Chaka Khan, "All Good?" drops in 2000. This track stands out for its hip-hop and soul fusion, featuring Chaka Khan's catchy chorus. The song delves into themes of disappointments and false promises. The music video, set in a car wash and inspired by the film "Car Wash," includes a cameo by actor Frank Vincent. The track has many remix versions, notably by MJ Cole and Razor N' Guido. The music video is directed by David Nelson. Writer(s) : David Jolicoeur, Vincent L Mason, Chaka Khan, David Nathaniel West, Posdnuos Publisher(s) : J B Music Publishing Llc, Jelly S Jams L L C, Bmg Talpa Music, Tee Girl Music Publishing Featured on the 2000 album Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump
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 3 . Aaliyah - Hot Like Fire"Hot Like Fire" by Aaliyah, produced by Timbaland and featuring Missy Elliott, is a 1997 single known for its syncopated beats and sensual rhythm. The track, highlighting Aaliyah's enchanting vocals, promises a potential lover that she's worth the wait. The red-themed party music video features cameos from Timbaland, Missy Elliott, and Lil' Kim. The music video is directed by Lance "Un" Rivera. Writer(s) : Timbaland, Melissa A Elliott Publisher(s) : Virginia Beach Music, Wc Music Corp, Mass Confusion Productions Featured on the 1996 album One in a Million
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 4 . Aaliyah - If Your Girl Only KnewIf Your Girl Only Knew was produced by Timbaland, who also contributed to the songwriting alongside Missy Elliott. The song showcases Aaliyah's distinctive vocal style and Timbaland's innovative production techniques. The music video was directed by Joseph Kahn, known for his work with artists like Britney Spears and Eminem. Writer(s) : Timbaland, Missy Elliott Publisher(s) : Virginia Beach Music, Mass Confusion Productions Featured on the 1996 album One in a Million
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 5 . Erick Sermon - MusicErick Sermon's "Music," a 2001 single, pays homage to the timeless power of music by sampling Marvin Gaye's "I've Got My Music (Original Version of 'Turn on Some Music')." Sermon, known from EPMD, blends hip-hop with soulful melodies, creating a nostalgic yet fresh soundscape. Writer(s) : Nona Gaye, Frank Gaye, Marvin P Gaye, E Double E Publisher(s) : Zomba Enterprises Inc, Erick Sermon Enterprises Inc Featured on the 2001 album Music
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 6 . Jay Z - Empire State of MindProduced by Al Shux, "Empire State of Mind" is an ode to New York, blending Jay Z and Alicia Keys' talents. Sampling "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments, it tops the Billboard Hot 100 and becomes an unofficial anthem for NYC. The black-and-white video shows Jay Z and Keys in iconic New York locations. Keys wrote and recorded her chorus in one take, and the song was performed at the 2009 World Series opening ceremony. The music video is directed by Hype Williams. Writer(s) : Angela Ann Hunte, Alicia Keys, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Shux, Jay Z Publisher(s) : Masani El Shabazz, Kmr Ii Gt Publishing Limited, Universal Music Corporation, Carter Boys Music, Emi April Music Inc, Foray Music, J Sewell Publishing, Lellow Productions Inc
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 7 . SWV - Can WeThis 1997 track is a collaboration between SWV (Sisters With Voices), known for hits like "Weak" and "Right Here," and Missy Elliott, who was emerging as a solo artist and producer. "Can We" is part of the "Booty Call" soundtrack, directed by Jeff Pollack and starring Jamie Foxx and Vivica A. Fox. Produced by Timbaland, the song blends R&B and hip-hop, featuring sensual and suggestive lyrics with a catchy hook asking, "Can we get kinky tonight?". The music video is directed by Jesse Vaughan. Writer(s) : Missy Elliott, Timbaland Publisher(s) : Mass Confusion Productions, Wc Music Corp, Virginia Beach Music Featured on the 1997 album Release Some Tension
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 8 . Slum Village - TaintedSlum Village's "Tainted," featuring Dwele, is a standout track from 2002, produced by the legendary J Dilla. The song merges hip-hop and neo-soul, exploring themes of betrayal and complicated relationships. Dwele's soulful vocals add depth to the beat-driven production. Writer(s) : Titus Glover, Emmanuel Riggins, Andwele Gardner, R L Altman III, Elzhi Publisher(s) : Zhifi Music, Karriem Riggins Music, District 6 Music Publishing Limited, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Donut Boy Music, Priestly Hood Music Featured on the 2002 album Trinity
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 9 . Nicole - Make It Hot"Make It Hot" by Nicole Wray, featuring Missy Elliott and Mocha, hits the scene in 1998. Produced by Timbaland, the track samples "Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi): Movement IV (Encounter)" by Mandrill. It reaches the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with its syncopated beats and futuristic sounds. The music video is directed by Christopher Erskin. Writer(s) : Timbaland, Melissa A Elliott, Aleesha Richards Publisher(s) : Virginia Beach Music, Mass Confusion Productions Featured on the 1998 album Make It Hot
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 10 . Mary J. Blige - Family Affair"Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige, produced by Dr. Dre, is a 2001 hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks. The dance-pop and R&B track celebrates a party vibe with iconic phrases like "dancery" and "no hateration, holleration," showcasing Blige's versatile style. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers. Writer(s) : Asiah Louis, Mike Elizondo, Bruce Allen Miller, Melvin Charles S Bradford, Luchana Nicole Lodge, Andrew Paul Young, Mary J Blige, Camara Kambon Publisher(s) : Universal Tunes, Universal Music Corporation, Spirit One Music Crescendo, Colorscapes Publishing, Mary J Blige Music, Hard Working Black Folks Inc, Cwab, Melvin Bradford Music, Wc Music Corp, Music Of Windswept, Ain T Nothing But Funkin Music Featured on the 2001 album No More Drama
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 11 . D'Angelo - LadyThird single from 1995’s "Brown Sugar", "Lady" finds D’Angelo writing and producing alongside Raphael Saadiq, who co-pens the track. Built on smooth Rhodes, subdued bass lines, and stacked harmonies, the groove steers clear of grand declarations, opting instead for a laid-back pledge of romantic fidelity. Released in 1996, it slips into the Billboard R&B charts and picks up a Grammy nod without breaking a sweat. A remix featuring rapper AZ adds a verse, extending the track’s reach into hip-hop without changing the tempo of its seduction. The music video is directed by Hype Williams. Writer(s) : Michele D Angelo Featured on the 1995 album Brown Sugar
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 12 . Tweet - Oops [Oh My]"Oops [Oh My]" by Tweet, featuring Missy Elliott, is a 2002 single produced by Timbaland. The track, with its innovative beats and electronic sounds, discusses themes of sensuality and female empowerment. It peaks in the UK Top 10 and the US Top 40. Writer(s) : Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Tweet Publisher(s) : Virginia Beach Music, Wc Music Corp, Fo Shawna Productions, Mass Confusion Productions Featured on the 2002 album Southern Hummingbird
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 13 . Ghostface Killah - All That I Got Is You"All That I Got Is You," by Ghostface Killah featuring Mary J. Blige, is a 1996 single sampling The Jackson 5's "Maybe Tomorrow." Produced by RZA, the track is an introspective ballad where Ghostface shares poignant childhood memories. The nostalgic and emotional tone is echoed in the music video. The music video is directed by Terry Heller and Chuck Ozeas.. Writer(s) : Ghostface Killah, Frederick J Perren, RZA, Berry Gordy Jr, Mary J Blige, Alphonso James Mizell, Deke Richards Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp, Mary J Blige Music, Ramecca Publishing Inc, Universal Music Careers Featured on the 1996 album Ironman
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 14 . Mary J. Blige - Love Is All We Need"Love Is All We Need" is a collaboration between Mary J. Blige and Nas. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it blends R&B and rap and marks a stylistic shift for Blige towards a lighter, more joyful tone. It samples "Moonchild" (1985) by Rick James. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Terry Steven Lewis, Mary J Blige, Jimmy Jam, James A Johnson Publisher(s) : Mary J Blige Music, Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp Featured on the 1997 album Share My World
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 15 . Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight"Dance Tonight" is a 2000 track by supergroup Lucy Pearl, composed of Raphael Saadiq (formerly of Tony! Toni! Toné!), Dawn Robinson (formerly of En Vogue), and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest). With verses describing preparations for a lively night out, the song blends R&B, funk, and hip-hop for a unique, refreshing sound. "Dance Tonight" was Grammy-nominated and featured on several movie soundtracks, including "Love & Basketball," directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps. Writer(s) : Dawn Sherrice Robinson, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Raphael Saadiq Publisher(s) : Ugmoe Music, Stratinum Songs, Watermelon Girl Music, Universal Music Z Tunes Llc, Cool Abdul Music, Sony Atv Melody Featured on the 2000 album Lucy Pearl
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 16 . Raphael Saadiq - Ask Of You"Ask Of You" by Raphael Saadiq, from the 1995 "Higher Learning" soundtrack directed by John Singleton, is a romantic R&B and soul ballad. Saadiq, known for his work with Tony! Toni! Toné! and Lucy Pearl, delivers an emotionally rich performance with sophisticated production. Writer(s) : Timothy Christian, Raphael Saadiq, Hachidai Nakamura, Ei Rokusu Publisher(s) : Tony Toni Tone Music, Sony Music Publishing Japan Emi Localdiv Featured on the 1995 album Higher Learning : Soundtrack
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 17 . Refugee Camp All Stars - The Sweetest Thing"The Sweetest Thing" by Refugee Camp All Stars, featuring Lauryn Hill, is a 1997 single on the "Love Jones" soundtrack, directed by Theodore Witcher and starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long. Hill's soulful vocals express bittersweet emotions of a romantic relationship. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Wyclef Jean, Lauryn N Hill Publisher(s) : Obverse Creation Musicc Inc, Tete San Ko Publishing Inc, Sony Atv Tunes Llc Featured on the 1997 album Love Jones : Soundtrack
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 18 . D'Angelo - Brown SugarCo-written and co-produced by D'Angelo and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, "Brown Sugar" debuts in 1995 as the lead single from D'Angelo’s first album of the same name. The lyrics flirt with romantic devotion, but the recurring metaphor aims elsewhere—namely, at marijuana, disguised in classic hip hop fashion. Its blend of funk, jazz, and hip hop rides a slow groove, built on bass and organ layers that nod to earlier traditions without slipping into pastiche. D'Angelo handles most of the instrumentation himself, setting the tone for what will soon be labeled neo soul, whether he asked for it or not. The music video is directed by Brett Ratner. Writer(s) : D Angelo, Muhammad Ali Shaheed Jones Publisher(s) : Zomba Enterprises Inc, 12 Am Music, Ah Choo Music Publishing, Polygram International Publishing Inc Featured on the 1995 album Brown Sugar
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 19 . Kelis - MilkshakeReleased in 2003 on her album "Tasty," "Milkshake" slides neatly into the R&B/pop bracket with a smirk and a beat. The track is crafted by The Neptunes, whose fingerprints are all over its clipped swagger, under the Star Trak Records banner. It reaches #3 on the Billboard charts, which says something, but probably not everything. A sultry video wraps the whole thing in glossy innuendo, sharpening the track’s mix of playful posing and deadpan bravado. The music video is directed by Jake Nava. Writer(s) : Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams Publisher(s) : Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Universal Music Careers, Raynchaser Music, Tamerlane Warner Publ Corp Featured on the 2003 album Tasty
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 20 . D'Angelo - Cruisin'Originally Smokey Robinson’s idea of a good time in 1979, "Cruisin’" resurfaces in 1995 dressed in D’Angelo’s shades-and-piano approach. Clocking in at 6 minutes and 24 seconds, it’s the longest track on his debut album "Brown Sugar", and maybe the most relaxed. Released as the second single, it peaks at #10 on the US R&B chart and lands at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100, making a brief appearance at #31 in the UK. Lauryn Vivino’s piccolo flirts with Bob "Bassy" Brockmann’s trumpet, while strings—violin, viola, cello—float behind sleigh bells and shakers. D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, keeps a steady hand on the piano and doesn't hurry the groove. The B-side? "Brown Sugar", just in case anyone forgot what album this came from. The music video is directed by Brett Ratner. Writer(s) : Smokey Robinson, Marvin Tarplin Publisher(s) : Bertam Music Co Featured on the 1995 album Brown Sugar
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ABOUT NEO SOULWhat is Neo Soul ?Neo Soul emphasizes rich and expressive singing, reminiscent of the great soul voices of the ’70s. Singers often use melisma and complex vocal runs to add depth and emotion to their performances. Instrumentation is a harmonious blend of live and electronic production: classic instruments like bass, piano, and guitar are often played with a smooth, jazzy touch. Syncopated, groovy rhythms are supported by subtle percussion and deep bass lines. The lyrics are often introspective and poetic, tackling themes like love, identity, relationships, and social issues. The Societal Impact of Neo SoulNeo Soul plays a crucial role in highlighting the diversity of Black musical expression. By providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, the genre celebrates the richness of Black culture. It addresses issues of race, identity, and social justice, offering varied and nuanced narratives that resonate with a broad and diverse audience. Neo Soul goes beyond music, influencing popular culture and societal conversations. Its introspective and socially conscious lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on important issues such as gender equality, civil rights, and personal empowerment. The Cultural Impact of Neo SoulNeo Soul significantly influences various musical genres, including hip-hop, pop, and contemporary R&B. By focusing on authenticity and emotional expression, Neo Soul inspires many artists to explore deeper sounds and more introspective themes. Neo Soul artists often adopt a distinctive style that blends vintage and contemporary elements, from clothing and hairstyles to accessories. This fusion can be seen in brands like House of Dereon, co-founded by Beyoncé and her mother Tina Knowles, Pyer Moss by designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Reformation, Mara Hoffman, and Duro Olowu, a British designer of Nigerian descent. Neo Soul also has a notable influence in cinema and TV, often used to create intimate, emotional, and authentic atmospheres. It features in films like “Brown Sugar” (2002) by Rick Famuyiwa, “Love & Basketball” (2000) by Gina Prince-Bythewood, “The Best Man” (1999) by Malcolm D. Lee, and “Love Jones” (1997) by Theodore Witcher. |
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