For those who have forgotten about this musical collective that emerged in the late ’90s and progressed throughout the early ’00s, the Soulquarians played a pivotal role in reviving the soul music genre for a whole new generation of music enthusiasts.

Channeling their soulful musical predecessors such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin; the Soulquarians used their artistic visions to heighten the awareness of the black struggle. Composed of musical geniuses with impactful instrumentalists, vocalists and lyricists; it was inevitable that the collective would produce groundbreaking albums.

Their sound was comparable to the robust flavors of good ol’ soul food, soothing the taste buds with each song. It was truly an honor to be able to witness this brilliant artistry. I understood the value of their music, even though I was only an adolescent during the time. The Soulquarians will be forever immortalized in my psyche as a reminder that music has the power to transcend institutional barriers.

Don’t worry, though — I got the antidote to your amnesia of just how instrumental the Soulquarians were in catapulting a new era of soul music. These are the albums that stimulated me the most, which were born out of the collective.

Things Fall Apart by The Roots

With his signature full-grown Afro, Questlove laid the foundation for the Soulquarian movement and its virtuosity that would soon attract millions of music heads across the globe. The iconic drummer, along with his band members including lead rapper Black Thought, released Things Fall Apart in 1999, jumpstarting the Soulquarian fame. This album was my first encounter with The Roots, which was a beautiful fusion of soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop and R&B. His superior musical intellect was influential in my decision to play an instrument.

“Until I’m overseas on tour

And peeped this Ethiopian queen from Philly taking classes abroad” – “You Got Me”

Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu

Before she was rocking the top hats, this free-spirited songstress was donning colorful turbans during this era as a Soulquarian. Much like her individual style, Badu’s artistry is in its own world. Deemed eccentric to some, I enjoyed this world she shared. It was a world that was flowing with vast creativity, giving birth to her sophomore album, Mama’s Gun. I couldn’t get enough of her effortless laid-back, jazzy vocals complimented with funky rhythms. Erykah was flaunting her black girl magic years before the term was popularized on social media.

“Guess I was born to make mistakes, but I ain’t scared to take the weight” – “Didn’t Cha Know?”

Like Water for Chocolate by Common

One of hip-hop’s finest lyricists, Common unleashed his talents on Like Water for Chocolate. His effervescent delivery rooted in Afrocentricity captivated me. His declaration for embracing black consciousness, unity, confronting misogyny and honoring our ancestors encompassed the album with songs such as “A Song for Assata,” “The Sixth Sense” and “The Light.” There was no denying Common’s masterful storytelling with his potent lyricism, echoing the griots of West Africa.

“It’s Important we communicate and tune the fate of this union, to the right pitch” – “The Light”

1st Born Second by Bilal

Bilal firmly implanted his spirit into 1st Born Second. With a grandiose vocal range reaching notes that seemed to be from another galaxy, this classically-trained crooner had my full-undivided attention. 1st Born Second was a manifestation of the black experience in America, especially in its major cities. It dealt with themes such as substandard living conditions, black-on-black crime and the common treatment of black people as second-class citizens. They run rampant in songs such as “Sometimes,”, “Born as a Second Child,” and “Fast Lane.”

“I wish I could be like Moses, round up my people, move out the Ghetto” – “Sometimes”

Voodoo by D’Angelo

As its name implies, Voodoo took me on a spiritual journey filled with African pride and the beauty of love. With a melodic vocal style complemented by a velvety blend of trumpets, bass guitars, keyboard and cymbals, D’Angelo made me feel as if I was watching him perform most of the album live in concert. With tracks such as “Send It On,” “The Root,” and “One Mo’gin,” Voodoo had a calming effect on me, quieting my mind and allowing me to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

“Whenever it rains I feel this way

A little somethin’ to get me through this day” – “Spanish Joint”

Please take a sip of some of my nostalgia tea and vibe to the phenomenal sounds of these visionaries with this Spotify playlist.

Darryl Lewis is a digital marketing professional and visual/performing arts enthusiast. His concern about social issues is unwavering, always seeking opportunities to create a positive impact on the people in his community and the world. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Stockton University. Follow him on Twitter @dlew4life

new era of soul music

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week