Quoting from Wikipedia on Liquid funk
Liquid funk, liquid drum & bass, liquid DnB, melodic drum & bass, or sometimes just liquid is a subgenre of drum and bass. While it uses similar basslines and bar layouts to other styles, it contains fewer bar-oriented samples and more instrumental layers (both synthesized and natural), harmonies, melodies and ambiance, producing a sentimental atmosphere directed at home listeners as well as nightclub and rave audiences. Music genres such as jazz, soul and sometimes blues have a pivotal influence on liquid funk.
Previously, I had personally referred to this style of music as “Soulful DnB”. I can’t remember exactly what triggered a deeper investigation (probably liner notes on an Apple Music mix) but I poked ChatGPT to investigate:
Is “liquid dnb” a well recognized term? Check your work, provide citations and an explanation if true
What “Liquid DnB” Means
- Liquid DnB is commonly used as shorthand for liquid drum & bass — a subgenre of drum & bass (DnB) music.
- It’s characterized by lush melodies, smoother rhythms, soulful harmonies, and atmospheric textures, often incorporating influences from jazz, soul, funk, and ambient music.
- This style typically contrasts with harder and darker DnB subgenres like neurofunk or techstep by focusing on musicality and emotion. 
Confidence was bolstered when artists I recognized appeared in the response: DJ Marky, Calibre, London Elektricity, High Contrast, etc. I additionally cross-checked with Claude, which also returned the Wikipedia link. Oddly, there were no follow-up questions, unlike ChatGPT. +1 to OpenAI.
This all worked out well: I learned more about a genre of music that I really love. I had no idea that this style has been around for over 25 years! Bonus: a few more artists to look into.
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