nu soul
what it is
Neo soul is a term coined by music industry entrepreneur Kedar Massenburg during the late 1990s to market and describe a style of music that emerged from soul and contemporary R&B. Heavily based in soul music, neo soul is distinguished by a less conventional sound than its contemporary R&B counterpart, with incorporated elements ranging from jazz, funk, and hip hop to pop, fusion, and African music. It has been noted by music writers for its traditional R&B influences, conscious-driven lyrics, and strong female presence.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make nu soul a playlist
turn these 29 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is nu soul?
Neo soul is a term coined by music industry entrepreneur Kedar Massenburg during the late 1990s to market and describe a style of music that emerged from soul and contemporary R&B. Heavily based in soul music, neo soul is distinguished by a less conventional sound than its contemporary R&B counterpart, with incorporated elements ranging from jazz, funk, and hip hop to pop, fusion, and African music. It has been noted by music writers for its traditional R&B influences, conscious-driven lyrics, and strong female presence.
What are good nu soul albums to start with?
Try Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition) by Janelle Monáe, The Love & War MasterPeace by Raheem DeVaughn, Sketches Of A Man by Dwele, and Respirar by Patricia Marx.
Who are some women making nu soul?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/nu-soul/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making nu soul, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-19