As fans pay tribute to the profound impact of R&B legend D'Angelo, it’s essential to reflect on his artistry beyond the surface. The sensual and slow-burn video for his iconic track, Untitled (How Does It Feel), evokes memories of a time when the world of R&B was both scandalous and transformative. In the 1990s, R&B experienced a cultural shift, characterized by a spectrum of sexuality that ranged from subtle to overt, influencing the melodies that dominated the Billboard charts.
During the decade leading up to D'Angelo's groundbreaking debut album, Brown Sugar, released in 1995, R&B groups like Intro and Silk challenged the norms of lyrical content. Intro remade Stevie Wonder's Ribbon in The Sky, while Silk provocatively sang about desire in falsetto. On the other side, artists such as Mint Condition and Boyz II Men delivered romantic ballads that depicted resilience in love, even in the face of infidelity. D'Angelo's Brown Sugar offered a fresh and innovative fusion of hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and R&B, featuring smooth grooves and memorable covers, like his rendition of Smokey Robinson's Cruisin'.
With his second album, Voodoo, released in 2000, D'Angelo reached unprecedented heights of fame, largely due to the provocative music video for Untitled (How Does It Feel). This video marked a significant turning point, showcasing themes of sexual allure and objectification, which resonated globally. The video transformed D'Angelo, a preacher's son from Virginia, into a sex symbol, despite his original intention to create meaningful music inspired by legends like Prince and Otis Redding.
Dr. Joan Morgan, a prominent writer and director at the Centre for Black Visual Culture at New York University, emphasizes that those who were first introduced to D'Angelo through the Untitled video may have missed the essence of his artistry. She notes that D'Angelo's music expressed genuine admiration for women, distinguishing him from the prevailing trends of the time. His approach to R&B was rooted in authenticity and respect, rather than conquest.
As MTV closes its last music channels in the UK, it’s nostalgic to reflect on the era when music videos dominated television. The 2000s ushered in a new age of pop culture, where artists began to be evaluated not just for their sound but also for their visual appeal. While some artists, like Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, gained fame through quirky and humorous videos, D'Angelo's Untitled was a stark contrast, capturing viewers' attention with its raw sensuality.
Fredara Hadley, an author and ethnomusicology professor at Juilliard, recalls how she and her roommates, despite differing tastes in men, would eagerly gather to watch the Untitled video repeatedly, signifying its captivating allure. Released during a time when female objectification was prevalent in music videos, D'Angelo's work stood out for its unique portrayal of male vulnerability. While other pop icons like Britney Spears and Destiny's Child also made waves in 2000, D'Angelo's video received critical acclaim, winning him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
With Voodoo, D'Angelo showcased a deeper emotional narrative, featuring love-drunk lyrics that conveyed his romantic sentiments. Tracks like Lady and The Root highlighted his ability to express vulnerability and affection. In a 1999 documentary about the making of Voodoo, D'Angelo described The Root as therapeutic, revealing the complexities of love and heartache.
Journalist Touré, who interviewed D'Angelo for Rolling Stone in 2000, shared insights into the creation of the Untitled video. Initially hesitant to participate, D'Angelo was persuaded by his manager, Dominique Trenier, to embrace the concept. However, the production was not without its complications, as those present noted an uncomfortable atmosphere of exploitation. Commentators have highlighted the pressure D'Angelo faced to maintain a specific physical image, with reports of him doing push-ups before performances to align with the image established in the Untitled video.
As we remember D'Angelo and his contributions to the world of R&B, it’s crucial to appreciate the depth of his artistry and the cultural implications of his work. His ability to blend sensuality with genuine emotion has left an indelible mark on the genre, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
