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In 2000, his debut album saw the light: "Aijuswannaseing", which mean "I just want to sing", was released under the name "Musiq Soulchild". It was produced by Carvin Higgins and James Poyser and recorded in large part at the Touch of Jazz studios. It got exposure in USA mainly on the more underground music video networks, MTV2 and BET, and went platinum. His singles "Just Friends (Sunny)" and "Love" got good airplay on urban radio stations, "Just Friends" also appeared on the soundtrack to "Nutty Professor II".
Musiq spent almost the whole of 2001 on tour alone, supporting the album and doing shows in and out of the States. His sounds captured audience of people in fascinating places such as New Orleans' House Of Blues.
In 2002 Musiq released his sophomore album "Juslisen", which means "Just listen". Rising stars such as Eric Roberson, Aarier and Carol Riddick were featured on that album. Two singles , "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange" came from his second album and got substantial airplay during the year on VH1 Soul, MTV and several urban radio stations.
During 2003 Musiq sang the chorus in Roots' "Break You Off" and Carlos Santana's "Nothing At All" before releasing his third album entitled "Soulstar". Worth mentioning is a wonderful "Forthenight", a duet with Bilal.
Musiq's music is influenced by '70s Soul (especially by Stevie Wonder, Patty Labelle, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway) but also by funk and hip-hop and represents another important test for the NeoSoul movement.
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