I’m glad to report that D’Angelo is definitely back. After his stint across Europe earlier this year, he has finally given his first face to face interview with one lucky lady reporter at GQ Magazine.
But, before you read it, let me confess how I felt back in February.
What D’Angelo Means To You ?
The undisputed King of Neo-Soul returns to o2 Academy Brixton after more than a decade. He popularised a new movement in music; laid back sophisticated soul with a hip-hop bounce drawing from 60’s and 70’s veterans such as Marvin, Donny and Al. His cocktail blended with flourishes of wild outlandish funk and rock to create the genius that is D’Angelo.
When his debut album, “Brown Sugar,” dropped in ‘95, there were rumblings on London’s underground pirate radio stations. “You’re My Lady” and “Brown Sugar” were being played on rotation. Who was this man? His voice was exquisite pleasure, and the music was such a refreshing contrast to anything that was being played at that time. This guy was singing real soul, using real live instruments and had a very distinctive style on keys (Fender Rhodes). The combination of honeycombed vocals, phrasing and real music had you in ecstasy. I purchased the cassette tape (remember them?!) and played it till the brown reel began to strain. By ‘97 that cassette had travelled half way across the world becoming a soothing soul blanket against a journey through the rough terrain and contrasting blaring of bashment inJamaica. The album artwork cover saw D lounging on a doorstep. You couldn’t see his face. That album sold on pure musicianship gold.
Coupled with quality music came his epitome of sexy. By year 2000 and studio album number two, D’Angelo realised his sex appeal helped record sales. “Voodoo” cover had D – tash, tattoos and torso looking taut with a warning stamped on for parents to ‘beware, this guy will blow your precious daughter’s mind with his use of explicit lyrics.’ The warning fell on deaf ears as mothers and daughters across continentals swarmed to buy into the D’Angelo thang, especially after witnessing the video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” It showed a presumably naked D standing tall with the camera panning from his ears, eyes, full lips and undulating sweaty six-pack rotating around him as his haunting screams demanded to know, “How Does It Feel?” Everything from his head to his ‘Dolly Dip Hips,’ like a living breathing Action Man, were visible. Those four minutes and seven seconds played with your imagination. Twelve years on it’s still being aired due to its innovative nature, simplicity and powerful message.
Unfortunately, he snacked on the devils pie and got drawn into drink and drugs, serving jail time. The years have passed by, but finally after an eagerly anticipated return he has shed his voodoo to return with new music to perform tonight which will soon be followed by a studio album. If his last Brixton Academy performance in 2000 is anything to go by, we are in for an unforgettable ride. D’Angelo, we salute you and welcome you back home.
I thought I’d ask some of today’s neo soul music makers:
“What Does D’Angelo Mean To You?”
AVERY SUNSHINE, USA Singer/Songwriter
“One of my muses… My water broke, with my first child, at hisAtlantaconcert on March 14, 2000. I didn’t want to leave! I stayed to see him perform his last song after his band exited the stage one by one. A spotlight shone on him. He had a mic and a Fender Rhodes. I think that’s when I fell in love with theRhodes. 🙂 It just doesn’t get any more “real” than D’Angelo. His music makes me want to create music. It makes me want to tell the truth. It’s not contrived. His music does the very thing that I believe all great music does: speaks to and connects with the soul. Even when you aren’t expecting it to! It’s something about the way his vocals are written/recorded and the sparsity of his keyboard fills… it’s spiritual. From “Higher” to his collab with Femi Kuti, “Water No Get Enemy,” he and his music remain consistent.”
ELISHA LAVERNE, UK Singer/Songwriter
“D’Angelo is…Truly Inspirational. He bought the neo soul scene to the forefront with “Brown Sugar” as a multi instrumentalist musician and amazing singer with emotion. He evolved as an artiste with his “Voodoo” album, but at the same time stayed consistent. Along with all this talent he has massive sex appeal from the way he moves his lips when he sings and delivers his songs. I am sooo looking forward to his new project.”
VIDEO: D’ANGELO JAMMING FOR GQ
http://www.gq.com/video/videos/dangelo-video
ARTICLE: GQ INTERVIEW WITH D’ANGELO
Amen! (D’Angelo’s Back) Music: GQ.com.
(Pics Courtesy of GQ and Google)
Angela D Douglas 
‘Voodoo’ is my all time favourite album. Glad to see him back in the music scene. Can’t wait to hear more music from him!
Yes, Voodoo was so different to his debut. Let’s see what the new music sound like. Did you get to see him earlier this year? Found this on you tube… 43 mins of pleasure