Philadelphia-born
Taalib Johnson, aka
r&b artist
Musiq (Soulchild), grew up the oldest of nine children and did not finish high school.
Musiq, whose influences include
James Brown,
Patti LaBelle,
Billie Holiday, and
Sly & the Family Stone, participated in Philadelphia's open-mike scene in his early teens. The son of a die-hard '70s
soul music fan,
Musiq performed at Philly showcases like
the Five Spot and
Wilhemina's until his management team,
Mama's Boys (
Jerome Hipps and
Michael McArthur), brought him to Def Jam Records' attention.
Musiq's debut album, 2000's Aijuswanaseing, was recorded mostly at
Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia.
Musiq's first single, "Just Friends (Sunny)," appeared on the soundtrack to Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, and two years later
Musiq released his second album, the spiritual and personal Juslisen, which debuted at number one on the
Billboard R&B/hip-hop charts. The following year brought the widely acclaimed Soulstar, and after moving to Atlantic,
Musiq released Luvanmusiq (2007) and OnMyRadio (2008). ~ Kerry L. Smith, All Music Guide
Green links represent an available CD.
Red links represent a CD that is not currently available.
OnMyRadio
Luvanmusiq