Usually you'll see a fan exclaiming their fav artist was ahead of it's time or simply "wrong place at the wrong time". Youtube and social media commenters(Insta, Tik Tok, etc.) are the worst offenders of this statement. In reality, only a few artists I would truly consider non-traditional. There is always a few group of artists in each era who are cutting edge yet underappreciated. One of those artists that I consider to fit the criteria was Def Jam's very own Tashan.

Real name Thomas Pearce, hailing from Poughkeepsie, NY. Well versed in the growing NY Hip Hop scene, Tashan got his first break writing and producing a song for the legendary Hip Hop group, Whodini, for their debut album Whodini(1983):

Whodini - Yours For The Night

One of the earliest tunes to blend Hip Hop and R&B. The song caught the attention of Def Jam/CBS, which led to him being signed by the label in 1985. His stint led to 3 albums being released Chasing A Dream(1986), On The Horizon(1989), and For The Sake Of Love(1993). An excellent songwriter and artist he was, the NY native didn't garner commercial success like his labelmate Oran "Juice" Jones. However, he's clearly the most inventive and poetic of the R&B singers that were curated by Def Jam at the time.

In an era (1981-1987) that was focused on slick, sophisticated soul or digitally driven beats(1988-1993), Tashan's sound is noticeably earthy and raw. Yet his grainy voice wasn't bluesy or Southern enough for the Down South Soul market. It's interesting to note that some of the production he sings on, especially his 1st two albums, have that Rick Rubin/Def Jam sound. Very unique for an artist of the time to sing on some New School Hip Hop (1984 - 1989) esque production. In Addition, the soundscapes are mixed with a live instrumentation dreamy, Sci-Fi esque sonic that creates a collage between the past and future. Got The Right Attitude('86)is a perfect example of this as it almost sounds like a prototype of something LL Cool J(I Need Love, Around The Way Girl) and Mary J Blige(U Remind Me, etc.) would later incorporate and even expand on.

Another interesting aspect, was his lyrical content. It's the reason I labeled him "Proto-Neo Soul", the carnality and social awareness of his lyrics is astonishing. I won't go into the depth but the diverse topics he had in his catalog include Idealism(Chasing A Dream), Intuition(Read My Mind), Injustice(Black Man), Broken homes(Save The Family), God(Thank You Father), and much more. You would think it would be a boring listen but thanks to him being a song crafter, the tunes are highly enjoyable and vivacious. His second album goes deep into the concious tip and almost evokes Curtis Mayfield as evidenced through his thoughtful, socio political commentary yet wrapped with contemporary Hip Hop vernacular.

To conclude, artists such as Loose Ends and Soul II Soul are often listed as among the key influencers of the Neo Soul movement. However, in terms of stylism and vibe, Tashan serves as a bridge for the Neo Soul artists we praise and cherish. He played a role in the synthesis of Hip Hop/R&B yet provides an array of topics a 70s Soul artist would. Tashan is a "lost soul" in the grand scheme of musical history. He's fortunately respected and revered in the UK but not his own country. A pioneer that simply was ahead of his time. Had he came out in the late 90s/early 2000s Neo Soul wave, Tashan would've got recognition.

He's actually apart of a bigger topic that I'm working on. Stay tuned ya'll

Examples:

KTT2 has better music journalists than a lot of professional entities.

Another fire rec op

So cool

Great thread, will check him out

I wouldn't go that far lol but I appreciate it bro

@AudioConsulting @Bushmanate @CliCity @xxxkiraxxx @proper @Prosper @tomonthekeys @cm_junk @young_frank @t3st1ng @Oblivion99 @BIGGWAVE @vela @SOLARIS @Sir_Swagalot @Sk8brdKee @Vox @Ultimate_Warrior @loveu_Boi @Jammuh @Water_Giver @Jbreezyondeck @HavenPB @degenwokemoralist @slime_wrld @sniper @SlapFiend @voriox

I’m in

@op u and audio consulting related? lol

fax

Shiit...we might need to see Henry Louis Gates on this one

lmfao

Got into him earlier this year -- marvelous music.

It's the truth. Btw have you ever heard of Tashan? Knowing your knowledge, have you heard of him b4? Would love to hear your thoughts

the name sounds sort of familiar but never checked out his work. i’m guessing i heard him on this electro r&b compilation library series with a lot of other names. but maybe it is a different tashan or name that is close to that . 🧐

Word