D’Angelo, Forever!
An artist that platformed his artistry to exemplify that BLACK MUSIC is the STANDARD and he never wavered.
The appreciation and admiration of his musicianship will always run deep for me. Everything was intentional and it was felt instantly and infectiously. What he represented didn’t need to be over explained or diluted to make it palatable for audiences it wasn’t intended for. He commanded presence by staying true to his craft. The music spoke for itself without conforming
As great of an artist that he was, it was inevitable that his level of genius was deeply rooted beyond the surface. Although the public interviews were scarce, when he did do them they were of substance. The spirituality, soul, and connection that’s praised in his music derived from the church. Let that fact never be diminished. Even with his personal feelings of his music being labeled as neo-soul, he addressed it tactfully and without being dismissive to the genre and his peers that were thriving within it.
When our legends transition, it’s an added layer of sadness for me. Not being naive that death isn’t going to happen, but the concern of how and the way we’re preserving the legacies of our artists. It has to be more than social media posts when they die and podcasts with no purpose.
Naturally, the conversation online is people naming artists for a D’Angelo tribute, and I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what award show or televised special are we hoping to see this on. Almost every award show or platform we’ve had to celebrate and amplify our artists and their achievements is no longer. Remember the Soul Train Awards that we looked forward to in November? Suspended indefinitely. I knew the investment of the show was nonexistent in 2023 when it was at an Airbnb and outside in the middle of a wind storm. A “house party” is what they called it. How clever. Then it was skipped entirely in 2024 with no announcement or regard. So, I guess for any tribute we’ll have to wait for the BET Awards next year in June that’s become a cesspool of social media “influencers” and an afterthought, huh?
I just be having questions.
The platforms and exposure for Black artists and Black music continue to fade into black. It’s disheartening and all by design that many choose to ignore when it’s happening in plain sight. If that’s not a concern enough, it’s an AI-generated R&B artist charting on Billboard and was recently most added at radio stations. Meanwhile, R&B artists that are putting their blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice into their music can’t even get an interview to talk about their new projects. And don’t be over a certain age, that’s a whole other topic. Our artists and music deserve more and better.
D’Angelo, forever! May his legacy continue to impact and resonate with endless generations to come. Prayers and love to his family and friends. Thank you isn’t simply enough. I hope he knew how much he meant to us.
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Comments
This was a beautiful read. I'd love to read more. PLEASE keep it up; this, your, kind of voice is important.