Although there are a number of artists who belong to both neo soul and its close cousin contemporary R&B--Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo being the best examples--neo soul is acknowledged as the more organic of the two styles. Neo soul displays a penchant for following the stylistic mores of soul's revered 1960s/'70s era, as flinty Curtis Mayfield or Ann Peebles influences are much more likely to crop up in the work of neo soul stalwarts Macy Gray and Erykah Badu than in any given current hit on urban radio.

Notable Artists: Macy Gray; Musiq; Erykah Badu