Fans may have been shocked to see the artist collaborate with producer Hit-Boy, but it was long overdue. The multiplatinum producer has worked with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. His latest collab with rap icon Nas on Kings Disease II earned the Grammy for best rap album in 2022.

Following the 45-year-old singer’s lead, Hit-Boy stepped outside the fan-perceived genres and applied his exquisite ear to the 10-song track list. This was all part of Musiq’s plan to shed the neo-soul moniker.

“So now here it is,” he said. “I’m able to work with a hip-hop producer that is not just a hip-hop producer but is mostly known for being in that hip-hop space. We now have an opportunity to promote and project a whole part of my identity that was lost this whole time.”

Musiq Soulchild

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