Neo Soul is a genre of music that emerged from contemporary R&B and soul. Being distinguished by its less conventional sound, there was a significant growth in audience during the mid to late 1990's, before eventually it became tailored for a niche audience. Influenced by jazz, funk, hip hop and african music; Neo Soul is distinguished by its conscious driven lyrics and being dominated by female artists, such as The Internet's front woman: Syd tha Kid, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Teedra Moses and more recently Frank Ocean.
Conventions of Music Videos:
- Consistent theme that runs throughout, can be metaphorical or conceptual; e.g Alicia Keys' Unthinkable, which depicts the arguably controversial theme of interracial couples. Set in various decades ranging from the 1950's to the present, the consciously driven lyrics are reflected in the music video which shows the stigma of the past and the present; and how Alicia Keys' wishes to challenge these stereotypes.
- Current social themes referenced that are often unspoken about or referred to as taboo; e.g Frank Ocean's Swim Good has lyrics that connote a man who attempts suicide after many failed relationships. The sensitive topic of suicide is touched upon which adds realism to both the song and music video.
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