Bomani Jones on the Legacy and Impact of D'Angelo

Remembering D'Angelo

• 😔 The news of D'Angelo's passing from pancreatic cancer at 51 was shocking and prompted this reflection.
• 💡 While initially not sophisticated enough to grasp his 1995 debut at age 14, the speaker later recognized it as some of the greatest music ever made.

The Unique Presence of a Musician

• 🌟 D'Angelo possessed a rare quality of sheer presence and magnitude that made people feel his performances.
• 🎤 This presence transcended technical musical criticism, focusing on the artist's innate ability to connect with an audience.
• 🎶 Similar to Bob Marley, D'Angelo had an undeniable aura that set him apart, making him more than just the sum of his musical parts.

The Artistry of D'Angelo's Albums

• ⏳ D'Angelo released only three albums in a 30-year span, but the focus remains on what was created, not what was left undone.
• 🎵 Brown Sugar is highlighted as the most undistilled version of D'Angelo's vision, with a clear influence from Curtis Mayfield.
• ✨ The song "Higher" from Brown Sugar is praised for its emotional and gospel-like soaring, representing love as a spiritual propulsion.
• 🎤 The album Voodoo is acknowledged for its