Dear D’Angelo,
I know you didn’t love the music video for Untitled (How Does It Feel)—I get it. You didn’t want to be seen as a hypersexual singer, but to me, it was artistic, beautiful, and tastefully sexy. That’s what I would say. We, the fans, didn’t mind. We really didn’t. When we said you looked good, it was a compliment, homie. I know you didn’t want to be seen that way, but it showed your versatility as an artist. We still respect you as the singer, songwriter, and producer. It was your caterpillar-to-butterfly moment. You proved your talent with your interpretation of Smokey Robinson’s “Crusin'”. Your rendition of the ultra-jazzy “Get By” was fantastic. You brought poetry with Brown Sugar. The R&B banger “Lady” from the Brown Sugar album was a hit.
It was the year 2000. I remember it vividly—there were about ten of us girls hanging out in a dorm room. Simone was the one who had her space hooked up like a mini-apartment, complete with a big screen. For some reason, we were all together that night, and your video came on. I think she had it saved or something. She asked, “Have you seen that ‘D’Angelo video?” She put it on the video, and I was mesmerized.
A beautiful milk chocolate brotha with thick, neat cornrows and smooth skin. I could tell you’d been doing push-ups, sit-ups, and fasting. You did what it took to look amazing in that video. We all stood there in awe of your sweaty and sultry performance.
I was listening to Tammi Mac from 102.3 KJLH. She talked about the artistic side of that video, and I agree. For me, it was a tasteful way to show vulnerability and sensuality. She mentioned the nods you gave to the Hood, to the Roots, and to Black culture. These nods were your neat cornrows, your cross necklace, and that subtle bling on your left wrist. Of course, your voice was just singing beautifully. Your style and artistry carry deep cultural significance, enriching your music.
People talked about that abrupt ending. I read somewhere that it symbolized a climax, a sudden emotional release. Interesting take.
Anyway, long story that I’m making longer—I went out and bought Voodoo. I was hooked. I played that CD until it couldn’t play anymore. Some parts got scratched, and I had to skip around to hear the rest. Your artistry—man, I’m not big on music vocabulary, but I know good music when I listen to it. You stew in your sound. It’s rich, soulful—like “Chicken Grease.”
Then came Black Messiah 14 years later. I fell in love all over again—so many magical hits like Really Love, Sugah Daddy, and The Door.
You were one of those low-key artists we didn’t hear from often. Still, when you emerged, you were everything. You are definitely a Ravishing Raconteur. Your resilience and dedication to your art are genuinely inspiring.
Sincerely,
Ravishing Raconteur
Ravishing Raconteur 