Inspired by such icons as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Donny Hathaway, Musiq Soulchild made a blockbuster debut right out of the gate with 2000’s acclaimed “AIJUSWANASEING.” Fueled by the breakthrough singles, “Just Friends (Sunny)” and “Love,” the album went on to earn RIAA platinum for sales exceeding 1 million. In addition, Musiq was honored with a number of awards, including Billboard Music Awards for “Best New Artist,” “Top R&B Artist,” “Top R&B Male,” and “Top R&B Single” (for “Love”); the Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B/Soul Single” (for “Love”); and the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song” (for “Love”). Further nominations came from the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, The Source Awards, BET Awards, and NAACP Awards.
In May 2002, Musiq unveiled his second album, “JUSLISEN,” which entered both the Billboard 200 and Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” chart at 1. The collection, which featured a pair of hits in “Dontchange” and “Halfcrazy,” was soon certified RIAA platinum and again earned Musiq a variety of prestigious awards. Among the trophies were Soul Train Awards for “Best R&B/Soul Album” and “Best R&B/Soul Single” (for “Dontchange”); an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for “Award Winning Song” (for “Dontchange”); and a BMI “Urban” Award (for “Halfcrazy”). What’s more, Musiq received nominations from the Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
“SOULSTAR,” Musiq’s third album, arrived one short year later and he was once again greeted with both critical and popular success. Hailed as one of the year’s finest collections of contemporary R&B, the album featured two radio smashes, “Forthenight” and “Whoknows.” The winner of the Soul Train Awards’ “Best R&B/Soul Album,” “SOULSTAR” also reaped nods from the Grammy Awards and BET Awards.
Musiq made a stellar Atlantic debut with “LUVANMUSIQ,” earning a trio of Grammy nominations as well as sales in excess of 700,000. The album features a series of major hit singles, including “b.u.d.d.y,” “Makeyouhappy,” and the 1 smash, “Teachme,” which spent 15 weeks atop Billboard’s Urban AC airplay chart.
“ONMYRADIO” followed in 2008, reaching the 1 spot on Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” chart in its second week out. The album received considerable critical praise, and in the summer of 2009 Musiq had 3 smash singles, “sobeautiful” and “IfULeave (Feat. Mary J. Blige)" along with "Chocolate High (Feat. India.Arie) all in the Top 10 on the Urban A.C charts.
With the many honors he has received for his solo albums, Musiq also scored a 2004 Grammy Award nomination in the “Best Urban Alternative Performance” category, acknowledging his take on the classic “Are You Experienced?,” found on the “POWER OF SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO JIMI HENDRIX” collection. Other extracurricular efforts include contributing guest vocals to the Roots’ “Break You Off” (found on 2002’s “PHRENOLOGY”) and Carlos Santana’s 2002 “SHAMEN.” What’s more, Musiq has contributed songs to a number of Tyler Perry film soundtracks, including a stunning take on Arrested Development’s “People Everyday” featured on 2008’s Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns.
Musiq Soulchild has always wanted to give back to the community. He was finally able to make that dream a reality by starting “GiveMoreLove Day” in 2007 based off of the tune featured on the LP “Soulstar” that has the lyrics “The children, need something, with more substance and more meaning. A message, intended to leave them with something much more to believe in.” Now an annual event, on his birthday he gives gifts as opposed to receiving them. Spending his own money to provide food, clothes & toiletries, Musiq visits & donates goods to various Women’s shelters and Children Hospitals in Philadelphia and Atlanta. To complete the day he performs a live concert for his fans.
Along with being a well respected recording artist, songwriter & producer, Musiq has also graced the small screen playing himself on such hit television shows as “The Game, Soul Food, and “As the world turns.” Having sold over 5 million albums and performing to sold-out crowds around the globe, Musiq has garnered TV and print ads from McDonald’s, GAP, Coca Cola, Levi Strauss, and Nike. His ambition and down to earth attitude have been the keys to his success. All of this talent, hard work, and determination have allowed Musiq to flourish into one of the few R&B artists that still remain relevant today. Be on the lookout for Musiq's 6th studio album slated for a 2010 release!