Pronunciation: [nˈiːə͡ʊ sˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
Neo soul is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1990s. It combines elements of soul, hip hop, jazz, and R&B. The spelling of neo soul is phonetically represented as /niːoʊ soʊl/. "Neo" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, followed by "oh" and "soul" with a long "o" sound. This spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word, making it easy for people to understand and recognize the genre when spoken or written.
Neo soul is a subgenre of soul music that emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by its contemporary and eclectic approach to the genre's classic elements. It is a fusion of traditional soul, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and funk, resulting in a distinctive sound that combines the soulful vocals and emotive delivery of classic soul with modern production styles and innovative musical elements.
This subgenre is often associated with artists such as Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Maxwell, India.Arie, and Jill Scott, who helped popularize and define the sound. Neo soul is known for its emphasis on organic instrumentation, often utilizing live instruments and a rich, warm production quality that enhances the emotional depth of the music.
Lyrically, neo soul often explores themes of self-reflection, empowerment, love, social justice, and spirituality. The lyrics are often introspective and poetic, conveying a raw and honest perspective on personal and societal issues.
Neo soul has a distinctive rhythm and groove, with its laid-back and often complex drum patterns, lush chord progressions, and melodic basslines. It incorporates elements of hip-hop, such as sampling and scratching, while maintaining a soulful and melodic foundation.
Overall, neo soul represents a contemporary evolution of soul music, keeping its roots intact while embracing new influences and approaches. It is a genre that continues to evolve and push boundaries, remaining a significant and influential force within the music industry.
The term "neo soul" is believed to be a blend of the prefix "neo" and the genre "soul".
The prefix "neo" comes from the Greek word "neos" meaning "new" or "recent". It is often used in English to describe something that is modern, revived, or innovative. The use of "neo" in music genres is a way of indicating a contemporary or updated version of a particular style.
"Soul" is a genre of African-American music that emerged in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. It combines elements of gospel, rhythm and blues, and often features heartfelt, emotive vocals. "Soul" can be traced back to African-American culture, particularly within the context of the Civil Rights Movement, where the music played an important role in expressing the emotions and struggles of the African-American community.
