On May 2nd, 2011, The Bentley Hotel Penthouse served as a stage for Musiq Soulchild’s latest “magical” escapades within his most recent neo-soul endeavor Musiqinthemagic. With delectable finger foods within feet of magazine writers and representatives from Atlantic Records, stomachs were catered to while the ears of all were enchanted by Musiq's newest offering. Within an hour of laughs, and giggles, an exuberant Musiq entered the room to a barrage of hugs, and kisses. Laced in his signature blacked-out aviator shades, Musiq's aura only bolstered the level of excitement in the already magical room.
Musiq's career has always been a mystical ride. The R&B crooner has earned 2 platinum plaques for Aijuswanaseing and Juslisten, and 2 gold Plaques for Soulstar and Luvanmusiq. Musiq's ability to tap into the depths of women's soul and the essence of relationships has helped him stamp himself as a go-to-guy in a watered down R&B scene.
It shouldn't be surprising to many that Musiq's sixth album entitled Musiqinthemagic would be anything but lackluster, and in actuality, help deliver luster to an over-saturated pop friendly market of R&B. The eclectic cover depicting the face of Musiq's behind a sound wave displays Musiq's love for the music. "That's me," says Musiq feverishly as his eyes illuminate at the glance of the CD cover. “I love the sound of music. As you notice the sound waves form into me. I always end up with the music first. I always end up with the art first."
It all started with his first album Aijuswanaseing. A 23-year old Musiq entered the game with his noteworthy single "Just Friends", and it’s historic following "Love". Def Jam found their R&B goldmine in the young soul crooner as he grabbed the hearts of many lovebirds with his soulful vocals, and meaningful songs. Just like a glass of Chardonnay, the singer got better and better every time he let the public taste his love potion. Musiq’s career discography includes numerous classics such as: "Don’t Change"," Half Crazy", "Teach Me", and "If You Leave" featuring the Queen of R&B, Mary J Blige.
hile many artists have been entrapped in the ills of paparazzi, Musiq has meticulously steered clear from the drama and has focused his entire life on one thing: his music. “I always hear, ‘Yo. How come you never end up in drama?’
I don't purposely try not to be in anything. I just don't get myself in there, because I make it about the music. I make it about what I’m asking you to invest in,” says Musiq.
Though Musiq has experimented with new sounds on Musiqinthemagic, his subject remains relevant to today's relationships. "Be Friends" offers his take on not simply wanting just a friendship with an ex, and but retaining the prosperous relationship he had once with his loved one. Even vocally Musiq stretches his boundaries and delivers as he asks his better half to consider taking a chance in love and possibly spending their lives together forever on "Say I Do".
As far as his current being, Musiq's "Under the Sun" serves as a perfect representation of his current self. "That song encompasses so many elements. I can't even begin to describe it. Whenever I do talk about it, I always say it's the past, the present, and the future rolled into one... It's like a "Future throwback."
Musically, Musiq still has the soul which he has exhibited throughout his career. His journey has been well documented through his music as he has uplifted the hearts and spirits of many with his empowering ballads and medleys. Whether he was asking to be taught How to Love, or just wanting to be your B-u-d-d-y, moving forward, it seems his soul will continue to be his marquee asset and trademark that will cement himself among R&B and Neo-Soul's cream of the crop.
By: Carl Lamarre
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