The Soulquarians collective is one of the most revered in Black music and one of the most important crews that have ever come together in any musical discipline. Comprised of legendary artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, the late Roy Hargrove, Q-Tip, Common, The Roots, Bilal and the legendary J Dilla, the Soulquarians helped shape neo-soul while also carrying the torch for alternative hip-hop crews like Native Tongues. In the late 1990s, they changed the landscape of urban music with songs and albums that were as spiritual as they were soulful; music that could be personal but with universal reach.
For this Wellness Wednesday, here are 10 Soulquarian tracks to help you find serenity when you need it most. If your world is getting heavy, light a candle, say a mantra and put on some tracks from this legendary crew to get yourself balanced. Tap in below.
“LIQUID STREETS” – ROY HARGROVE
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A mid-tempo tune that sounds like strolling through Harlem after a great date night, this smooth track from The RH Project’s 2003 album, Hard Groove,showcases the effortless musicality of the late trumpeter and his band–in particular; the smooth acoustic bass of Reggie Washington and James Poyser’s keys make it easy to get lost in the soul.
“GIRL BLUE” – Q-TIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55VGa7TzDOA
A cut from the A Tribe Called Quest frontman’s controversial second solo album, this jazzy track is ultra-smooth — smooth enough to almost make you forget it’s addressing bumpy themes like self-awareness and depression.The narrator sounds like he loves this woman–but he’s also concerned about why she happens to be so…blue.
“ORANGE MOON” – ERYKAH BADU
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It opens with the sound of crickets chirping–as Badu’s cool vocal eases in over Shaun Martin keys. The song blossoms into one of Badu’s most perfect soul-jazz amalgamations; a swaying slice of sublime musicality. Perfect rainy day music—or for any time that you just want to get lost in a vibe. How good it is.
“ALL MATTER” – BILAL
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Bilal has always been unafraid of exploring themes of inner turmoil and existential awareness. What is love? Cool on the outside–hot in the middle. The singer-songwriter offers a rumination on love and spirit with this track from 2010s Airtight’s Revenge.
“DIME PIECE” – J. DILLA, DWELE
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Dilla was always the spiritual core of the Soulquarians, and the legendary Detroit producer’s sound is the connective tissue between this collective of artists. Needless to say, his own catalog is legendary; and this track from The Shining boasts a ghostly Dwele vocal and an ethereal, only-Dilla-could-create this production.
“NAG CHAMPA (AFRODISIAC FOR THE WORLD)” – COMMON
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One of the breeziest tracks on the Chicago rapper’s most acclaimed albums, it’s an indicator that Common’s reputation as the thoughtful emcee is well-earned. Some regrettable homophobia aside, it’s one of his best tracks. WIth a perfect J Dilla hook, to boot.
“ONE SHINE” – THE ROOTS, CASSANDRA WILSON, AMEL LARRIEUX
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On their stellar third album, the legendary crew from Philadelphia expanded on the promise they’d shown on Do You Want More?!!!??!with a bit more polish and craft. And a standout moment on Illadelph Halflife is this cerebral instrumental–complete with scatting vocals from two of neo-soul’s most underrated vocalists.
“SEND IT ON” – D’ANGEL
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It’s a highwater mark for the man, the Voodoo album, and for every musician involved. It feels so intimate, so lived-in and just so soulful. Pino Palladino provides that gorgeously elegant bassline–with the Hargrove’s horns taking things to a heavenly place. While also providing a lyric that seems to encourage you to keep pushing through and holding on to love.
“MAKE MY” – THE ROOTS, BIG K.R.I.T., DICE RAW
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The Roots’ ambitious concept album undun tells the tragic story of fictional Redford Stevens, and on this emotional midtempo cut, Dice Raw and Big K.R.I.T give voice to the man’s suicidal thoughts and pain. It’s not depressing, however–but it is undeniably moving. Evocative without trying too hard.
“UMI SAYS’ – MOS DEF
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One of the emcee’s most beloved songs, this classic Black On Both Sides track is mesmerizing and majestic. Part mantra, part prayer, it’s a song that illustrates Yasiin Bey’s ability to connect human struggle to something godly and elevated. A rallying cry for Black folks that sound like victory is closer than we can imagine.
