Taalib Johnson (born September 16, 1977), better known by the stage name Musiq Soulchild or simply Musiq (pronounced "music")[1] is an American singer and songwriter whose style blends R&B, funk, blues, jazz, and gospel influences fused with hip hop.[2] Soulchild has released several successful studio albums that went platinum in the United States.
Early life
Musiq was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in a strict Muslim household. During his teenage years he built a reputation for being musically gifted, beat boxing for MCs freestyling on the open mic circuit, scatting at jazz clubs, or just performing an a cappella for strangers on the streets, which is where he got the name "Musiq" and later added "Soulchild." He cites as his inspirations such icons as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway.[3][4] He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music.
"There were people who knew of me but they didn't really know me; they just knew me as 'that music dude.' So after getting that so much, I was like, 'Just call me Musiq.' It was so fresh to me because if I had to be called anything, I would have wanted to be called Music. That's how much I dug it; when you see me, I want you to automatically think of music. The stage name "Musiq Soulchild" is technically two ideas. 'Musiq' is the front man and 'Soulchild' is the idea behind it. It's basically me as an artist in this generation, representing the traditions and the legacies of the past soul stars."[3]
Career
1998–2004: Def Soul
In 1998, Musiq Soulchild signed with Def Soul Records, the contemporary R&B division of Universal Music's Def Jam Recordings. He later released his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, in late 2000. Its lead single was "Just Friends (Sunny)". His second single "Love" spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Musiq's second album, 2002's Juslisen, debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, reaching platinum-sales status.[5] The singles were "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange", which were top ten hits.
In 2003, Musiq released his third album, Soulstar, which went gold.[5] It included the singles "Forthenight" and "Whoknows".
Musiq took a four-year break and changed his management to Solqi Management. In 2006, media outlets circulated that Musiq was involved in a de facto record label trade, transitioning from Def Soul's master label Def Jam Recordings to Atlantic Records, and sending rapper Fabolous from Atlantic to Def Jam.[6][7][8]
2006–2012: Atlantic Records
In March 2007, Musiq's released his fourth album Luvanmusiq. Its singles were "B.U.D.D.Y.", an uptempo track,[5] "Teachme", and "Makeyouhappy."
His fifth album OnMyRadio was released on December 2, 2008. The lead single "Radio" was a complete contrast to the usual smooth neo soul Musiq fans were accustomed to. The following singles were the duet "IfULeave" featuring Mary J. Blige, and the ballad "SoBeautiful". The latter marked the first collaboration between Musiq and producer JR Hutson, after Hutson had spent "about eight months" trying to get Musiq to come by his studio.[9] According to Hutson, the two planned to work together again.[9]
In May 2010, he changed management to Victor Grieg.[9]
His last album for Atlantic MusiqInTheMagiq was released on May 3, 2011, available on CDs and also as a digital download. The first single was "Anything" featuring Swizz Beatz,[10] followed by "Yes".
2013–present My Block Records, Soulstar Music Company, eOne Records
In September 2013, Musiq released a duet album with Syleena Johnson, titled 9ine. This album was a compilation of nine reggae songs recorded in nine days on the independent Shanachie[5] label.
Also in September 2013, Musiq announced his departure from Atlantic Records and becoming an independent artist. He revealed he is now signed to record producer Warryn Campbell's label My Block Records.[11][12][13] Musiq previously worked with Campbell on his first two albums on Atlantic – 2007's Luvanmusiq and 2008's OnMyRadio.
He released an EP titled The Husel through DatPiff on July 30, 2014.[14]
In April 2016, he released his first independent solo album through My Block/E1 Music, Life on Earth.[15] The lead single is "I Do". Shortly after, he moved to a new label, with eOne/SoulStar Music Company.
In 2017, he released two new singles "Simple Things" and "Start Over" set for a new album titled Feel the Real due on September 15, 2017.[16][17] He premiered music videos for the tracks in April 2017.[18]
