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Hailing from the culturally rich city of Philadelphia, PA, Taalib “Musiq Soulchild” Johnson defined an era with his unique combination of hip-hop and soul music to create a timeless sound. He quickly became the soundtrack of an era and a blueprint for the many artists who have come after him.
We all know the Soulchild, but this film explores the MAN who through his pain and darkest moments created a masterful career and timeless vibes for his millions of fans. Take a deeper look into the mind of a once in a generation artist, as we see that his true genius is just getting started. Follow the journey and feel the wins, losses, love, and pain from the man who at the core of it all “Just wanted to sing”.
Musiq Soulchild was born Taalib Johnson and is one of the most influential R&B singers of his generation. Weaned on Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway Musiq pioneered the “neo-soul” movement of the early millennium. Musiq has received 13 Grammy nominations and has sold millions of records throughout the world. He is still one of the most popular performers on the circuit and a true artist. Known for his raw vocal talent Musiq went from signing on the street corners of Philadelphia in the late 90’s to landing a big record deal with Def Jam in 2000, ushering in a new age of soulful R&B with a nod to the past and a new vibe for the new millennium.
Before Musiq Soulchild there was Taalib Johnson. The oldest of 9 children he was raised in a strict religious subculture whose beliefs encouraged its members to live outside of the system.
The strict religious upbringing discouraged normal education. The outside world was perceived as unrighteous and profane. Musiq’s eye was injured in a childhood accident as a toddler. The injury was never properly attended to by a licensed physician and left him partially blind.
As part of this subculture Musiq lived in a child dormitory without parents for most of his early life. He would see his mother and stepfather sporadically on the weekends for short periods of time. This left lasting scars on the young Taalib.
After the childhood dormitory experience, Musiq returned to live with his mother, stepfather and 8 sibling as a teenager. During those years the emotional and physical traumas he suffered caused him to runaway numerous times. He preferred the streets of Philadelphia to his home. At some point he never returned, couch-hopping, subway car riding and working low paying jobs to survive.
Music was his constant companion and he would immerse himself in all the R&B classics. He frequented the Philly music scene, showing up in clubs and open mics. He caught the attention of some budding producers who invited him to write and record with them. Being constantly hungry he asked if there would be any food at the studio. The food, as much as the music, motivated him to show up every day and record what eventually because his first album.