Raphael Saadiq Rejects 'Neo-Soul' Label, Calls It Music Industry Jargon

Iconic singer says term was used to limit marketing budgets for Black artists

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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In an Instagram comment, veteran R&B singer Raphael Saadiq criticized the term "neo-soul," arguing that it was created by a Black music executive as a way to categorize and limit marketing budgets for certain Black artists, rather than describe the actual sound of the music. Saadiq said the term does not accurately describe him or other prominent artists like D'Angelo, and that it contrasts with the more culture-defining nature of hip-hop.

Why it matters

Saadiq's comments shed light on the music industry's historical practices of pigeonholing and undervaluing certain Black artists, even as their music gained mainstream popularity. His rejection of the "neo-soul" label challenges the way genres are defined and marketed, particularly for artists of color.

The details

Saadiq explained that the term "neo-soul" was created by a Black music executive, Kedar Massenburg, to help labels identify which acts would not require the same high-budget marketing as pop acts. This signaled to executives that these Black artists might only sell 150,000 to 500,000 copies, versus 1 million for the biggest acts. Saadiq contrasted this with hip-hop, which he said is a rich cultural movement beyond just a musical genre.

  • In an Instagram comment in 2026, Raphael Saadiq criticized the term "neo-soul"

The players

Raphael Saadiq

An iconic R&B singer and songwriter who was part of the group Tony! Toni! Toné! and has had a successful solo career.

Kedar Massenburg

A Black music executive who served as president of Motown Records from 1997 to 2003 and is credited with coining the term "neo-soul" for marketing purposes.

D'Angelo

A prominent R&B artist often associated with the "neo-soul" genre, who was managed by Kedar Massenburg.

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What they’re saying

“Neo-Soul was a term created by one Black executive purely as shorthand. It helped labels internally identify which acts would not require crossover marketing budgets.”

— Raphael Saadiq (Instagram)

The takeaway

Saadiq's rejection of the "neo-soul" label highlights how certain genre classifications can be used by the music industry to pigeonhole and undervalue Black artists, even as their music gains mainstream popularity. His comments challenge the way genres are defined and marketed, particularly for artists of color.