Philly’s Musiq Soulchild has epitomized idiomatic flexibility since his stunning 2000 debut Aijuswanaseing and 2002’s platinum-selling follow-up Juslisen, which topped both the pop and R&B charts. He’s seamlessly blended elements of jazz, soul and hip-hop into an original sound that echoes — but never mimics — influences as iconic as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. He got his start free-styling in Philly and New York jazz clubs, as well as singing a cappella in the streets. Over the past two decades, he’s delivered a steady stream of hit singles and memorable LPs while earning 13 Grammy nominations. He’s also collaborated with an honor roll of A-list artists, among them Carlos Santana, The Roots, Ice Cube and Syleena Johnson. But he’s also proven it’s possible to maintain career momentum as an independent artist, opting to break away from major labels in 2013. His most recent projects include contributing to the edgy tune “Footsteps” from Kehlani’s February mixtape While We Wait, as well as the searing “Ocean Drive” from Smif-N-Wessun’s March LP All. Soulchild will play two shows at City Winery on Saturday — both are sold out, but waitlist spots were still available at press time. 6:30 & 10 p.m. at City Winery, 609 Lafayette St. RON WYNN
Musiq Soulchild
