I SEE A LOVE STORY: R&B
“I met this boy when I was 12 years, and what I loved most he had so much soul.”
Juslisen by Musiq Soulchild Album Cover
In the summer of 2003, the sultry Georgia heat wrapped around me as I, a twelve-year-old with an insatiable passion for music, found myself embarking on a musical odyssey that would forever change the rhythm of my heart. Visiting my extended family, my younger sister and I were entrusted to the care of our wise Grandfather to spend time with our extended family for a short time in the summer, and the days unfolded like a reel of nostalgia.
Nestled in the heart of our summer adventure was a moment of musical rebellion at Auntie Gina's home. A covert exploration of her CD collection unveiled a treasure – a burned copy of Musiq Soulchild's second album, Juslisen. Unbeknownst to Auntie Gina and Uncle Larry, I liberated that soulful masterpiece, and it swiftly became a cherished addition to my eclectic CD collection (Sorry Auntie Gina lol).
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the Georgia landscape, I slipped the CD into my portable player once we returned to my Grandfather’s home for the night.
“Everything is cool when love is all brand new
Cause you're learning me and I'm learning you (it's cool)
When love is all brand new
Cause you're learning me and I'm learning you”
The opening notes of Juslisen played like the prelude to a love story, and with each track, Musiq Soulchild weaved a melodic tapestry that resonated with my young soul. From "Halfcrazy" to “Previouscats,” the nuances of R&B unfolded before me, revealing a world of emotion and storytelling that transcended the superficial.
No longer just a music enthusiast, I was now a protagonist in a neosoul narrative. Maxwell, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo – these were not just artists; they were storytellers, and their songs became the soundtrack to my burgeoning adolescence. I didn't just hear the music; I felt it, lived it, and embraced the nuances that went beyond the chart-topping singles.
The beats and lyrics transported me into a realm where I was the main character of a movie, navigating the highs and lows of love, life, and self-discovery. With each note, R&B had etched a special place in my heart, and my love for the genre bloomed like a summer romance, leaving an indelible mark on the soundtrack of my life.
