Neo Soul is a musical genre that combines elements from classic soul music with contemporary influences from R&B, jazz, funk, and hip hop. It emerged in the 1990s with artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and Lauryn Hill pioneering this genre. Neo Soul is characterized by its emphasis on emotional and social lyrics, melodic complexity, and the use of real instruments in its recordings. It incorporates both classic and contemporary musical trends, creating a sound that is timeless and inspired.