It's a good point that Anita Baker was "alternative" to Radio R&B at the time but I don't think she was "Neo" anything. I think there is a straight line between Anita Baker and classic Jazz Singers like Phyllis Hyman, Oleta Adams, etc.


I think what made Neo-Soul isn't so much that it was hip-hop influence, but rather it was a reaction to hip-hop influenced R&B.

I don't Anita Baker's music had any relation to hip-hop. Not influenced by it or a reaction to it.


Our age grew group sits in an interesting position because we are the last generation to embrace hip-hop that wasn't raised on hip-hop. That gives us a unique vantage into the impact Hip-hop has had on all music.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"