This week, the music world mourned the loss of D’Angelo, the R&B singer who passed away at the age of fifty-one due to cancer. D’Angelo was a master of combining the raw emotion of soul music with the innovative spirit of hip-hop. He received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards and two platinum-selling albums. Beyond his commercial success, D’Angelo remained an enigmatic figure, releasing only three albums in nineteen years, with his final record, ‘Black Messiah,’ released in 2014.
D’Angelo’s reluctance to embrace traditional stardom is evidence of his devotion to preserving the purity and rarity of his talent. He understood the power of restraint, creating music that was both sensual and profound. This article explores the genius of D’Angelo, his unique approach to music, and the lasting impact he had on the world of R&B and soul.
Early Career and ‘Brown Sugar’
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo’s musical journey began early. Comparisons to Prince are inevitable, considering their shared mastery of the falsetto and an innate sense of rhythm. D’Angelo signed a songwriting deal at seventeen, followed by a record contract two years later. His debut album, ‘Brown Sugar,’ released in 1995 when he was just twenty-one, defied the typical bravado of youth. The album is remarkably calm and collected, showcasing D’Angelo’s ability to embody the present moment.
Even on tracks like ‘Lady,’ which depicts a dark scenario of infidelity and murder, D’Angelo’s delivery is surprisingly gentle. Playing all instruments himself and using analog recording equipment, D’Angelo created a moody and luxurious sound. While ‘Brown Sugar’ was a success, it was with ‘Voodoo’ that his vision became fully realized.
‘Voodoo’: A Masterpiece of Sound and Soul
‘Voodoo’ is widely regarded as D’Angelo’s magnum opus. Kelefa Sanneh, a friend and colleague, considers ‘Voodoo’ to be on par with any album ever made. The album’s pleasures are abundant and surprising, characterized by virtuosic vocals and exceptional musicianship. The sound is heavy, layered, and sophisticated, blending jazz, soul, funk, gospel, and rock and roll. The opening track, ‘Playa Playa,’ immediately transforms the atmosphere, demonstrating the music’s potent gravitational pull.
According to Amanda Petrusich, the music’s gravitational pull is that potent and that steady. ‘Voodoo’ is a testament to D’Angelo’s ability to create a cohesive and immersive musical experience, showcasing his innovative approach to sound and arrangement.
‘Untitled (How Does It Feel?)’ and Its Aftermath
In the year following ‘Voodoo’s’ release, D’Angelo unveiled the video for ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel?),’ a song that celebrates the act of love. The track’s raw sensuality is enhanced by its chaotic yet beautiful arrangement, reminiscent of Sly Stone, Al Green, Miles Davis, and Prince. The video, featuring a nude D’Angelo shot from the waist up, became a career-defining moment.
Jason King, in his essay ‘The Time is Out of Joint: Notes on D’Angelo’s Voodoo,’ discusses the dehumanizing effect of the video. D’Angelo was reduced to a bachelor stud rather than recognized as a serious musician. This misdirected respect may have negatively impacted his confidence and psychological well-being. The hypersexualization led to uncomfortable encounters, with women at his shows demanding he disrobe.
“Women in the front row of his shows now howled for D’Angelo to disrobe. Sometimes they tossed wads of cash at him,” Petrusich stated, illustrating the extreme reactions to the video.
Personal Struggles and Setbacks
D’Angelo struggled to cope with the intense hypersexualization he experienced. He began to see the negative aspects of his success. D’Angelo, whose father and grandfather were Pentecostal preachers, spoke about the spiritual dimensions of fame, referencing Lucifer’s fall from grace in a 2012 GQ interview. The years that followed were marked by canceled tour dates, periods of silence, and legal troubles.
He faced drug charges, a D.U.I. incident, and an arrest for soliciting a prostitute. Several stints in rehab proved ineffective, and unflattering mug shots circulated online. These personal struggles underscored the challenges D’Angelo faced in navigating fame and maintaining his artistic integrity.
‘Black Messiah’ and Political Awakening
After a fourteen-year hiatus, D’Angelo released ‘Black Messiah’ in 2014. This album, a response to social and political unrest in Ferguson, Egypt, and Occupy Wall Street, is characterized by its prickly, psychedelic funk and sprawling energy. D’Angelo described the title as an aspiration for collective action, stating, “We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah. . . . It’s not about praising one charismatic leader but celebrating thousands of them.”
The album promotes a sense of unity, suggesting that racism is a shared problem. D’Angelo aimed to convey a message of kinship and shared responsibility, emphasizing that the project was not driven by hubris but by a collective desire for change.
D’Angelo’s Enduring Legacy
D’Angelo’s defining qualities—humility, subtlety, imperfection, prescience, sensuality, and inventiveness—are increasingly rare in today’s music landscape. He viewed his role as an artist with significance and gravity. In his GQ interview, D’Angelo highlighted the spiritual essence of his work, noting that the choir’s contribution was as vital as the preacher’s. He saw the “Untitled” video as a veil, behind which the audience could experience the spirit.
D’Angelo’s music embodies a mysterious force that is both complex and moving. His final album closes with ‘Another Life,’ a song filled with yearning for a sweeter, gentler existence. In this track, D’Angelo imagines a different way of being, reflecting his desire for a more satisfying and harmonious world.
Conclusion
D’Angelo’s death marks the loss of a true visionary in R&B and soul music. His ability to blend sensuality with profound spiritual and political messages set him apart as an artist. From his early work on ‘Brown Sugar’ to the groundbreaking ‘Voodoo’ and the politically charged ‘Black Messiah,’ D’Angelo consistently challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of his genre.
D’Angelo’s legacy extends beyond his commercial success. His influence on contemporary music is undeniable, and his commitment to artistic integrity serves as an inspiration to future generations. As Amanda Petrusich poignantly remembers, D’Angelo’s genius was pure, and rare, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his listeners.
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