Musiq Soulchild Opens Up About Still Getting Nervous Before Performances

Musiq Soulchild opens up about still getting nervous before performances?! The Philly-born singer-songwriter speaks on his journey in music, his classic hits, and new music with The Pivot Podcast, hosted by former NFL Stars Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark.

Considered one of the most influential R&B artists of all time, Musiq Soulchild, whose born name is Taalib Hassan Johnson, sits down with hosts Crowder, Taylor, and Clark to discuss his transformation to stardom. Soulchild opens up about his upbringing which he attributes to a lot of growing pains over the years.

Dropping out of college and leaving his home at the age of 17, Soulchild talks about being forced to grow up quickly and the impact it had on him personally and professionally. From Soulchild’s perspective, it was all a big risk for him to pursue his passion and he questioned himself every step despite the quick success and climb up the charts!

Inspired by the sounds of similar artists such as D’Angelo, Soulchild details how he worried if his sound would be accepted by the majority. Learning more about music and using his pain to produce legendary songs, he reflects on his process of writing songs and what moved him to produce the style he uses.

Crowder, Taylor, and Clark reflect back on their days of listening to Soulchild’s songs and the romantic tone they set, especially his big hit, “Love.” The 45-year-old lets the guys know that “Love” was actually a therapy session for him and a product of searching for his definition of love.

Taylor asks Soulchild what it’s like to be in the industry limelight and how the journey affects him despite his 20+ years of experience. Soulchild shares how he still gets nervous under the bright lights and even still gets nervous with every performance. He expresses his struggles balancing being an introvert with having an extroverted profession.

Motivated by Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, the celebrated crooner plans to continue to make music that is a “soundtrack to life.'” Taylor, Clark, and Crowder don’t shy away from letting him know that he’s a legend in their book and that his music will last forever. Soulchild has a new album dropping on March 10, 2023, entitled Victims & Villains, produced by Hitboy and mixed by David Yungin Kim.