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D’Angelo, the acclaimed R&B singer, dedicated years to immersing himself in music with his collaborators. Creating new songs and diving deep into music history? That was his jam. But the praise and attention that followed? Not so much. While D’Angelo confessed that early fame stole some of his joy, his love for music eventually roared back. He knew he couldn’t hide from the spotlight completely; his art was just too magnetic.
D’Angelo said nothing could push him away from his music
In 1995, D’Angelo dropped his debut album, Brown Sugar, and honey, it went platinum! The world went wild, showering him with more attention than he ever bargained for. D’Angelo admitted the hype almost made him hang up his mic.
“After Brown Sugar, I lost my enthusiasm to do all this,” he told Rolling Stone back in 2000. “I coulda done without goin’ to 7-Eleven at three o’clock to get a pack of cigarettes and find yourself swarmed, signin’ autographs.”
He had to remind himself *why* he started in the first place: pure, unadulterated love for music. He knew he’d be making music regardless of fame, his soul practically cursed (in the best way) to create.
“I had to reiterate why I was doin’ that in the first place, and the reason was the love for the music. I was gettin’ jaded, lookin’ at what go on in the business. But, I had to say, even if I didn’t do this, I’d still be f***in’ with the music. So I’m cursed, and I’m gon’ be cursed till the day I die. So this is what I’m gon’ do.”
The last music D’Angelo released was a collaboration with Jay-Z
D’Angelo, a true icon, blessed us with three studio albums during his time with us. Word on the street is that a fourth masterpiece is on its way, set to drop posthumously. Talk about a musical gift that keeps on giving.
While new music wasn’t always frequent, he gifted us “I Want You Forever” in 2024 – a nearly 10-minute sonic journey alongside filmmaker Jeymes Samuel and the one and only Jay-Z. The track graced the soundtrack of Samuel’s film, The Book of Clarence, proving that magic happens when legends collide.
“Someone like D’Angelo, he moves in his own speed and his own time, so there’s no planning there. You can’t [just] say, ‘I’ve got this song, come over Tuesday,’” Jay-Z told GQ, dropping some wisdom. “The circumstances, the vibes, the music, everything has to be in a perfect space for something like this to happen. Obviously, we haven’t collaborated for our entire careers, so it was meant for this moment right here.”
His peers have mourned him
The news of D’Angelo’s passing sparked a wave of heartfelt tributes from artists and fans alike.
“I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius,” Tyler, the Creator poured out in a touching Instagram post. “That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. I am so lucky to have gotten my copy of VOODOO when I did. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. My musical DNA was helped shaped by this man. Forever grateful. Safe travels.”
Legends like Missy Elliot, Jamie Foxx, Flea, Flavor Flav, and Doja Cat all chimed in, showering D’Angelo with love and respect. His impact runs deep, fam.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
