Recommendations of the Editorial team
Following the death of D’Angelo, who passed away on Tuesday, October 14th at the age of 51 after a long battle with cancer, Artists from all over the world paid tribute to the influential pioneer.
Beyoncé was among those who honored his legacy. She posted a poignant message highlighting his importance to music: “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your piano playing and your artistry,” she wrote on her website. “You were the pioneer of neo-soul who changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.”
D’Angelo’s three solo albums – his debut “Brown Sugar,” 2000’s “Voodoo” and 2014’s “Black Messiah” – received critical acclaim and reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with “Voodoo” taking number one. The single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from this album, accompanied by a one-shot video in which a naked D’Angelo sings the song directly to the camera, became one of his best-known works and earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. One of four he received during his career.
Influence and legacy
It was during a medley of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Sugah Daddy” from Black Messiah at the 2012 BET Awards when Beyoncé and Solange danced to his songs in the audience. This appearance marked D’Angelo’s return to television after twelve years – around two years before he celebrated his celebrated comeback with “Black Messiah”.
Artists who also remembered the visionary included Nile Rodgers, Missy Elliott and Tyler, the Creator. The latter said of D’Angelo’s influence: “I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal, but comprehensive and brilliant,” Tyler recalled of the impact D’Angelo’s song “One Mo’Gin” had on his own work.
“That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. We are lucky to have been able to enjoy his art throughout his life. This man helped shape my musical DNA. I am forever grateful to him. Have a safe trip.”