Aijuswanaseing

Musiq (Soulchild) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2000)
• Original Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Def Soul Classics
• ASIN: B000051Y10
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (176 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,918 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Has neo-soul been around long enough to already have throwbacks? The ostentatiously named Musiq Soulchild seems to think so. The vibe on his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, feels an awful lot like the one D'Angelo first got folks all hot and sweaty with (way back in 1995, with the now-classic Brown Sugar). Musiq even liberally borrows from "Brown Sugar" on "L Is Gone," when he croons, "Skin caramel complexion/Lips chocolate brown" (D's version says "Skin is caramel with those cocoa eyes"). The 23-year-old newcomer is smart enough to have a couple of his musical predecessor's partners in his crew, like producer James Poyser and bassist Pino Palladino. They get some nice, laid-back grooves going on the sassy opening track, "Girl Next Door," and on "Speechless" with its sly, funky Stevie Wonder-style bounce. Despite their best intentions, however, the Philly native never manages to generate any real heat. He has a perfectly adequate croon (part Stevie, part Eric Benet, and of course, part D'Angelo), but it's his lack of lyrical prowess that does him in. Tossing off verbal gems such as "So I could be like Michael Jackson and enjoy myself / Cause what I want to do is make a tuna melt" and "Your body's banging like a 400SE" with complete sincerity, Musiq lets his ulterior motives show, which sabotages the sensitive-ladies'-man image he's obviously trying to cultivate. He leaves us hoping that he'll let someone else write the words for him next time. --Sylvia W. Chan

Product Description

After making his mark on the "Nutty Professor II" soundtrack, Musiq brings the same style and soul to his debut album. "Aijuswanaseing" shows off his ability to effectively mix rap, funk and R&B on hit singles like "Just Friends" and "Love." Includes: - Scratch Introlude - Girl Next Door - You And Me - Just Friends (Sunny) - Mary Go Round - 143 - Love - My Girl - Musiq Soulchild - Seventeen - L¿ Is Gone - Speechless - Poparatzi - Settle For My Love - You Be Alright

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bright Future ahead November 26, 2000

By Tony_Tone

Format:Audio CD

I have to say that this young gentlemen Musiq Soulchild got my attention right away when i first heard his brilliant debut on The Nutty Professor II soundtrack with his song Just Friends(Sunny).. After hearing this song a lot of comparison to D'Angelo.. But after purchasing his debut CD and listening to it carefully.. This young man has a style all his own there is some influences certainly of D'Angelo in some of the tracks, There is even some early Stevie Wonder influences in the music.. But he has an unmistakable sound that is clearly his own.. Production was handled mainly by Touch Of Jazz production crew they same people that responsible for Jill Scott's brilliant debut..Some people will say that Musiq is the male counterpart of Jill Scott which i have to agree musicially and lyrically there is a heavy connection between the two.. This is another one of these disc you can put on dont have to worry about hitting the fast forward on your CD player.. Among the highlights on a great CD

Love which in my opinion is the best track on the entire CD it is one of the most heartfelt, sincere ballads you will hear just check out a verse of this song you will see what i mean

Love so many things I've got to tell you.. But I'm afraid I dont know how. Cause there's a possiblity You'll look at me differently.. Love ever since the first moment i spoke your name. From then on I knew .. That by you being in my life. Things were destined to change cause.. Love so many people use your name in vain.. Love those who have faith in you sometimes go astray. Love through all the ups and downs of joy and hurt. Love for better or worst..... I still chose you first

Other highlights on a superb Cd: Mary Goes Round, Girl Next Door, Seattle For My Love featuring Aaries, Just Friends( Sunny), You and Me, All n all a terrific CD from one of the brightest young talents in music right now .. Pick this up you will be so happy that you did Read more ›

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Who is Musiq Soulchild? November 16, 2000

By J. Highsmith

Format:Audio CD

When I first bought the "Nutty Professor 2" soundtrack, I didn't pay too much attention to Musiq's first single, "Just Friends (Sunny)". The more and more I listened to the soundtrack, however, that song became a favorite of mine in no time. When I heard that his CD had came out, I asked a reviewer, "Tony", his opinion and he said pick the CD up. After 2 listens of Musiq's debut CD, "Aijuswanaseing", I realized that he has a classic CD in the making. Many people will say, doesn't he sound like D'Angelo. Musiq clearly has a distinctive sound and after you listen to his CD you will realize that. Most of the production is handled by A Touch Of Jazz Productions. This is the same group of producers that helped make Jill Scott's "Who Is Jill Scott" an instant classic. Coincidentally, you might consider Musiq a male Jill Scott, which is definitely a compliment. You can listen to this whole CD and not have to worry about using the fast forward button. You can also find a little bit of everything on this CD. The vibe will remind you of A Tribe Called Quest or a Roots CD. The best songs in my opinion are "The 'L Is Gone" where The Roots' "Next Movement" is made into a classic r&b song, "Girl Next Door" w/Ayana of Aaries, "You & Me", "Love" & "Mary Go Round". Before I heard this CD, I was skeptical about how this CD would sound like and I was not disappointed at all. Any person who liked Jill Scott's CD will like the debut CD from Musiq. It is a must buy in my opinion.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Work of Art November 14, 2000

By Paul-Nicholas S Aponte

Format:Audio CD

I opened this cd yesterday and I haven't stopped listening to it yet. Very rarely do I a buy a cd and listen to the whole thing without skipping to another song but this album has somekind of power that won't let you. From the first song all the way to last song, you can't help but to sing along and enjoy the breath of fresh air that MusiqSoulchild has given us with his work. It's hard to pick a favorite on this cd but I have narrowed it down to 2....track 7.Love and track 15. you be alright. This is worth the money and time to invest in this true work of art.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My CD deck is alive...... November 14, 2000

By T. Carter

Format:Audio CD

....with the sound of Musiq (I know it is a tad bit corny, but please forgive me)! This CD is fabulous. Philly is definitely producing some of the most soulful artists this year. First Jill Scott, now Musiq Soulchild. This CD is definitely soulful. When I first heard 'Just Friends' on the radio, I knew this was going to be the CD for me. It was so soothing to hear an artist talking about getting to know someone and not the usual "give me some....I'll sex you down" type song. And the song Love has never used more truthful words when stating 'so many people use your name in vain...those who have faith in you sometimes go astray...many nights I've cried from the things you do'...let's just say I agree, love is a trip but 'I still choose it first'. Musiq provides true, soulful love songs and mellow grooves. I mean the man says in 143 he 'just refuses to be your typical ordinary run of the mill garden variety lover', and I see the same applies to his music!!! I can definitely lay back, relax, and relate to every song on this CD. True talent and the 'neo-soul' movement have blessed us again. Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's all about "143" (that means "I Love You") February 21, 2001

By Knyte VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Musiq is talented and funky - and he doesn't seem to be pretentious about it, which is a good thing. Along with the other hot R&B releases of late last year, (Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Dave Hollister) Musiq fits right in with a blend of Maxwell's sensitivity and D'Angelo's neccesary roughness. The result of this blend of neo-soul is simply splendid. This album (as with most neo-soul) is good from start to finish, but there are always highlights, and here is the Knyte opinion...

1) Girl Next Door - this track is a great way to open the album. All I want to know is who is this new group AARIES? The young woman who sings with Musiq on this track sounds very sweet...and so is the song. Think 'Love & Basketball'.

2) Just Friends - I heard this first on the Nutty Professor II soundtrack. Tight (but you already knew that huh?)

3) 143 - My absolute favorite song on this CD. Favorite. It's all about 143. Listen, listen and listen again...

4) Love - I think this will be a single. Great follow-up to "143".

5) Seventeen - All I can say is this song is scandalous, but leaves an impression. I like it

6) L' is Gone - Tight. Will give you D'Angelo-isms...(Brown Sugar anyone?) but it's still tight - trust me.

7) Settle For My Love - This is a remake of a Patrice Rushen song according to a friend at work...wonderful. Once again, be on the lookout for AARIES...great voice(s).

So that's it. Musiq is a must add for your collection. Even though there are 15 tracks on here (interludes included) I still feel that this album could have been longer. Oh well, I guess like he said in "L is Gone", he wants to make us "feen for it, like a Love Jones..."

Good stuff.