Just before the turn of the millennium, the world frantically prepped itself for the (so-called) future. News stations called for global satellite breakdowns, the churches warned of the end of times, and designers wrapped everything chrome. With the year 2000 just beyond the horizon, pop culture's obsession with a futuristic Star Wars-like world became the industry's go-to when creating pretty much anything. While the culture focused on what lied ahead, a group of legendary musical artists channeled their efforts and attention on going back, to soulful era.
In the late 1990's, the "neo-soul" movement was at it's peak when a collective of like-minded talents came together to take music to an even higher level. Joining forces in 1998, the "Soulquarians" consisted of some of the greatest minds to ever grace the music world. At their core was singer-songwriter D'Angelo (a Richmond, VA native), and the drummer-spiritual leader of "The Roots", Amir "QuestLove" Thompson. In an era dominated by digital computer recordings, the two creatives were drawn to each other for their shared love of classic soul records, organic rhythms, and funky analog sounds that became less and less common in modern recording studios. "The Soulqaurians" movement was born at Electric Lady Studios, built in New York City's Greenwich Village by Jimi Hendrix shortly before his death in 1970. The fabled studio sat idle for years until D'Angelo decided to set up shop there to record his Grammy Award winning sophomore album "Voodoo" (2000). His decision to create there was based on the fact that Stevie Wonder recorded "Music Of My Mind" (1972) and "Talking Book" (1972) at Electric Lady. He recalls literally blowing dust off of the Fender Rhodes that was in there and wiping dust off of the microphones, all of which used by Stevie himself.
As the "Voodoo" sessions began, QuestLove moved the production of The Roots' LP "Things Fall Apart" (1999) from Philadelphia to Electric Lady in order to work on both projects simultaneously. At one point, D'Angelo and QuestLove moved into the studio to work around the clock, studying the musical styles of legendary artists that Quest referred to as "Yodas", including Prince, Al Green, and Joni Mitchell. They analyzed the work of the "Yodas" for techniques on how to make timeless albums. While the rest of the of the music industry threw out "futuristic" sounding records - i.e. Cher's "Believe" (1998) - The "Soulquarians" only created in the realm of classic soul, funk, & hip-hop, while adding their own modern flavor onto every track.
The energy radiating from the studio sessions quickly attracted a coalition of world-class talent such as Raphael Saadiq, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Method Man, and Redman. As the collective began to grow, QuestLove added Common and Erykah Badu to the mix when he
invited them to Electric Lady to record their own albums as well. At this point, there were four albums all being written and recorded at Electric Lady Studios at the same time: D'Angelo's "Voodoo" (2000), The Roots' "Things Fall Apart" (1999), Eryka Badu's "Mama's Gun" (2000), & Common's "Like Water For Chocolate" (2000). As the group continued to add musical royalty to it's roster, "The Soulqaurians" rounded out their assemble with composer James Poyser, and one of the greatest producers to ever touch a sampler, Detroit's very own James "J-Dilla" Yancy.
Spinning any record from "The Soulquarian" era immediately puts the listener in a whirlwind of emotions that was purposely crafted to deliver the nostalgia of listening to classic afro-centric soul and funk records from the late 60's - early 70's, with sprinkles of modern production and recording styles on top. The four heads of the collective, D'Angelo, QuestLove, Dilla, and James Poyser created the hottest ticket in town with their "neo-soul" sound and were quickly commissioned to work on albums for Jill Scott, Bilal, The Roots, Talib Kwali, Mos Def, & Slum Village, racking gold and platinum records along the way. It's hard to imagine how this movement by a group of such talented and spiritually connected individuals could ever end; but as The Roots taught us, things fall apart.
In September of 2000, Vibe Magazine did a profile on The Soulquarians, formally introducing them to the outside world. Vibe originally wanted to feature QuestLove alone in the story, but being uncomfortable as the center of attention, he insisted on having other members of the assemble with him in the photoshoot. His humility would ultimately backfire. As all publications do (except this one), they print stories that create false narratives that, in some cases, never get resolved. After the issue was released, Quest started to get phone calls from his fellow collaborators upset with how Vibe portrayed the group, reporting that QuestLove was the boss of the group and that the others were simply his employees or minions. The group never fully recovered from this.
Nonetheless, "The Soulaquarians" legacy and influence on music continues to be ever-present to this day shines through in everything they gave us. Their love for collaboration and togetherness perfectly exemplify what PAREA means and how to use it to it's fullest. Do yourself a favor and look into any of the albums listed in this article, and listen to them In Good Company.
Tommy Kyrus; Founder.
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