Neo soul is a genre of
popular music. The term was 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.