Dropping out of school at 17 years old, Taalib Johnson, otherwise known as Musiq, was proving himself a talented musician, singing on the streets of Philadelphia, beat boxing for MC's, or scatting in clubs.  Musiq took on the stage name because of his commitment to music.

Musiq

There were people who knew of me but didn't really know me; they just knew me as 'that music dude.' So after getting that so much, I was like 'Just call me Musiq.' It was so fresh to me because if I had to be called anything, I would have wanted to be called Music. That's how much I dug it; when you see me, I want you to automatically think of music.

Beginning on the Streets

Dropping out of school at 17 years old, Taalib Johnson, otherwise known as Musiq, was proving himself a talented musician, singing on the streets of Philadelphia, beat boxing for MC's, or scatting in clubs.  Musiq took on the stage name because of his commitment to music.  He added Soulchild to honor those his inspirations, including Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, and James Brown.

Musiq released his first album, Aijuswanaseing, in 2000.  The album went twice platinum, with two million copies sold.  In 2002, he released his second full-play album, Jusleslini, which was also very successful.  This album went platinum for over one million sales and peaked at #1 in the United States and in Canada.

Building a Successful Career

After a four-year break, Musiq recorded his fourth album, and his fifth album included a trio with Mary J. Blije.  Musiq has made guest appearances albums for Rapper Lloyd  Banks, Talib Kweli,  and the Roots.  He also pays tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire, on the album, Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Musiq appeared on the soundtrack for Tyler Perry's movie, Daddy's Little Girls, and he allowed a song from his Luvenmusiq album to appear on the soundtrack for Perry's movie, Why Did I Get Married?  Also for Tyler Perry, Musiq recorded a remake of People Everyday from  Arrested Development.  He and British rapper/singer Estelle recorded People Everyday (Metamorphosis Mix) for the soundtrack for Perry's Meet the Browns.

Staying Strong

Musiq recorded a Christmas album, entitled Christmas Musiq, in late 2009, which is available at iTunes.  Fans may download the entire album or just the singles they want.  Most recently, he has appeared on the video of We are the World 25 for Haiti.  The video is available at iTunes, for the cost of a donation to earthquake relief.  

Musiq was nominated for three Grammy Awards this year, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group, twice. Over the years, Musiq has received awards from Billboard, BET, The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and BMI.  He is working on his newest album, but no date seems to be available as of yet.  His website includes a link to a video in which he and his producer comment on the project.  

Did you know . . .

1. Consistent, yet unsubstantiated rumors allege that Musiq is cross-eyed.

2. Musiq grew up in a strict Muslim household, with eight brothers and a sister.

3. Musiq has been featured in television and print ads for McDonald's, Nike, Inc., Coca-Cola, Levi Strauss& Co., and the Gap.

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