Soul, Funk, and Innovation

This week, we're highlighting three artists who bring a unique blend of soul, funk, and modern flair to the table: Anthony Hamilton, DJ Quik, and Elujay. Anthony Hamilton's timeless voice and heartfelt lyrics deliver a rich, soulful experience that has been a staple in R&B for decades. DJ Quik, a West Coast legend, fuses funk and rap with precision, creating beats that have influenced the sound of hip-hop from the ‘90s to today. Elujay, the rising star of neo-soul, blends lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics, bridging the gap between classic soul and contemporary vibes. Together, these artists showcase the evolution of soulful music, from its roots to its modern-day innovation.

Soulful Starts By Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton is a soul music legend whose voice evokes a sense of timelessness, blending the rich traditions of Southern gospel, blues, and R&B into something uniquely his own. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hamilton’s gritty yet smooth vocals carry an emotional depth that resonates with listeners across generations. From his breakthrough with Comin’ From Where I’m From, which delivered the soul-stirring hit “Charlene,” to his more recent projects, Hamilton has consistently proven himself as a master storyteller, weaving narratives of love, heartache, and redemption through every song.

What sets Hamilton apart is his ability to make every lyric feel personal, whether he’s singing about struggles or celebrating joy. His sound is rooted in classic soul, but his willingness to blend it with modern production keeps his music fresh and relevant. His recent work continues to push boundaries, with collaborations alongside contemporary artists while staying true to the raw, authentic soul that made him a household name. Anthony Hamilton remains a torchbearer for soul music, a reminder of the genre’s power to touch the heart and stir the spirit. If you're looking for music that feeds the soul, Hamilton's catalog is essential listening.

My Favorite Album:

• Ain’t Nobody Worryin’

My Favorite Songs:

• Can’t Let Go

• Charlene

Quik’s Midday Bounce

DJ Quik

DJ Quik is a West Coast legend whose contributions to hip-hop are as influential as they are underrated. Hailing from Compton, Quik has built a career on blending funk, soul, and jazz into a distinctively smooth yet hard-hitting sound that defined much of the '90s G-Funk era. Known for his impeccable ear and masterful production skills, he’s not only a top-tier beatmaker but also a sharp lyricist. Albums like Quik Is the Name and Rhythm-al-ism are classics, showcasing his knack for layering melodic grooves with crisp drums and live instrumentation, a signature style that sets him apart from his contemporaries.

DJ Quik’s music is full of West Coast bounce and laid-back funk, but his versatility is what has allowed him to stay relevant for decades. He’s collaborated with everyone from Tupac and Snoop Dogg to more recent acts like YG, proving his adaptability in an ever-changing musical landscape. Beyond his own records, Quik’s production credits are stacked, further cementing his place as one of the most impactful producers in hip-hop history. Today, DJ Quik continues to perform and create, reminding fans of his indelible mark on the genre. For those who appreciate smooth, groove-heavy hip-hop with a touch of musical sophistication, DJ Quik remains a cornerstone of the West Coast sound.

My Favorite Album:

• Rythm-Al-Ism

My Favorite Songs:

• You’s a Gangxta

• Dollaz + Sense

Elujay’s Evening Chill

Elujay

Elujay is a dynamic artist whose music effortlessly blurs the lines between neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop, delivering a sound that feels both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in tradition. Hailing from Oakland, California, Elujay brings a fresh perspective to the genre with his smooth, jazz-inflected production and introspective lyricism. His music is filled with rich textures—lush synths, groovy basslines, and live instrumentation—that create an immersive, feel-good vibe.

Elujay's breakout project, Adojio, highlights his ability to craft melodies that stick with you, all while diving into topics like love, self-growth, and the beauty of everyday life. His vocal delivery is equally versatile, flowing seamlessly between singing and rapping, giving each track a unique flavor. What sets Elujay apart is his ability to balance laid-back West Coast vibes with deeper, more introspective moments, creating music that’s as soulful as it is thought-provoking. His more recent work has continued to push boundaries, incorporating elements of electronic music, showing his versatility as an artist.

If you're searching for music that hits with both sonic depth and lyrical substance, Elujay is a name you should have on your radar. His ability to merge different styles into a cohesive, refreshing sound makes him one of the most exciting artists in the neo-soul and R&B scenes today.

My Favorite Album:

• GEMS IN THE CORNERSTORE

My Favorite Songs:

• 1080p

• WASTING MY TIME (feat. Zilo)