Musiq Soulchild burst onto the R&B scene in 2000 with his debut album Aijuswanaseing. His smooth vocals and relatable lyrics quickly earned him a dedicated fanbase. Over 20 years later, fans still wonder – is Musiq Soulchild still performing?
The Early Years
Musiq Soulchild, born Taalib Johnson, grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a child, he was surrounded by music, with influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to The Isley Brothers. This inspired him to start writing and producing his own songs from a young age.
After high school, he continued honing his craft while working odd jobs to make ends meet. He started connecting with producers and studio engineers, slowly carving out his musical identity. His unique style blended old school soul with hints of hip-hop and spoken word.
This all culminated in his debut album Aijuswanaseing in 2000. Songs like “Just Friends (Sunny)”, “Love” and “Girl Next Door” showcased his buttery smooth vocals and relatable songwriting. The album was both a critical and commercial success, earning him two Grammy nominations.
Continued Success in the 2000s
Musiq Soulchild wasted no time building on the momentum of his debut. In 2002 he released his sophomore album Juslisen, spawning the hit “Halfcrazy”. Other singles like “Dontchange” and “IfULeave” helped the album go platinum.
His third album Soulstar arrived in 2003, once again blending soul, R&B and hip-hop. Songs like “Forthenight” and “Whoknows” were fan favorites. The album cemented Musiq as one of the preeminent R&B artists of his generation.
In 2007 he released his fourth studio album Luvanmusiq. Lead single “B.U.D.D.Y.” was a fun, upbeat track about friendship. “Teachme” and “Makeyouhappy” also got significant radio play. The album showed Musiq’s versatility and creativity.
The 2010s and Beyond
Musiq continued dropping quality music into the 2010s. His fifth album Musiqinthemagiq arrived in 2011, featuring “Anything” and “Yes”. He followed it up with 9INE in 2016, which contained singles like “I Do” and “Simple Things”.
His most recent album, Feel the Real, came out in 2017. It blended his classic soul sound with more contemporary trap and electronic influences. Singles like “Simple Things” and “Way2gone” connected with both older and newer fans.
Over the past 20+ years, Musiq Soulchild has released 8 studio albums, garnering multiple Grammy nominations, BET Awards and Soul Train Music Awards. He’s proven to be one of the most consistent and talented artists in R&B.
Musiq Soulchild Is Still Touring and Performing
So is Musiq Soulchild still actively performing and entertaining audiences today in 2023? The answer is a resounding yes!
He continues to tour worldwide, bringing his instantly recognizable voice and feel-good music to venues across the globe. He treats fans to hit after hit, seamlessly blended with new material.
Some of Musiq’s most recent live performances include:
- Essence Festival in New Orleans – July 2022
- TD Pavilion at the Mann in Philadelphia – August 2022
- Hampton Jazz Festival in Virginia – June 2022
- St. Lucia Jazz Festival – May 2022
He’s also announced several live shows stretching into 2023. This includes scheduled performances in cities like Baltimore, Detroit, Atlanta, and more.
Additionally, Musiq frequently performs at intimate, smaller venues. These shows provide fans a more personal experience and the chance to connect with an R&B legend up-close.
Collaborations Keep Musiq in the Spotlight
Part of what keeps Musiq relevant and in-demand is his penchant for collaborations. He’s teamed up with numerous contemporary artists to lend his vocals to new music.
Some of Musiq’s most notable collabs include:
- “If I Ain’t Got You” with Alicia Keys
- “Reasons” with Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Are You Feelin’ Me?” with Houston
- “Swag Sexy” with T.I.
- “Love” with Chris Brown
These features expose Musiq to younger demographics that may just be discovering his music. It also allows him to put his creative spin on the work of newer artists.
Musiq Keeps Fans Engaged on Social Media
A significant factor in Musiq’s continued popularity is his social media presence. He regularly engages with fans on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Some interesting details about Musiq’s social stats:
Platform | Followers |
---|---|
960k | |
270k | |
1.4 million | |
YouTube | 247k subscribers |
He shares everything from tour updates and new music releases, to funny behind-the-scenes moments and fan Q&As. This gives supporters an “all-access pass” into Musiq’s world.
Musiq Soulchild Remains One of R&B’s Greats
It’s clear that over 20 years into his career, Musiq Soulchild remains a passionate, engaged, and highly respected artist. His unmistakable voice continues gracing radios, streaming playlists and live venues worldwide.
While he’s made his mark with timeless hits like “Just Friends” and “Love”, he also keeps his sound fresh and current through collaborations. And his active social media presence keeps him connected with older and newer fans alike.
So for those wondering if Musiq Soulchild is still performing in 2023, the answer is a definitive yes! He remains one of the most talented and prolific artists that R&B has ever seen or heard. And by the looks of it, he’ll continue blessing audiences with his soulful music for years to come.