D'angelo

Definition

D'Angelo is an influential American R&B artist, known for his soulful sound and innovative blending of genres that emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s. His work significantly impacted the pop and R&B scenes, bringing elements of neo-soul, funk, and jazz into mainstream music. D'Angelo's introspective lyrics and smooth vocal style have made him a key figure in shaping the sonic landscape of modern R&B, inspiring a new generation of artists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. D'Angelo's debut album, 'Brown Sugar,' released in 1995, helped launch the neo-soul movement and included hits like 'Lady' and 'Brown Sugar.'
2. He took a long hiatus after 'Voodoo,' not releasing another album until 'Black Messiah' in 2014, which received widespread critical acclaim.
3. D'Angelo's live performances are known for their high energy and musicianship, often featuring a full band that adds depth to his sound.
4. His musical style is heavily influenced by legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Prince, blending classic soul with modern production techniques.
5. D'Angelo has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his work.

Review Questions

• How did D'Angelo contribute to the evolution of R&B music in the late 20th century?
  • D'Angelo contributed to the evolution of R&B music by pioneering the neo-soul genre with his debut album 'Brown Sugar.' This album introduced a fresh sound that blended traditional soul with elements of jazz and hip-hop. His approach emphasized live instrumentation over synthetic sounds, setting a new standard for what R&B could encompass and influencing many artists who followed.
• Discuss the impact of D'Angelo's album 'Voodoo' on modern music trends and its reception by critics.
  • The album 'Voodoo' marked a significant moment in D'Angelo's career, showcasing his maturation as an artist through its experimental sound and deep lyrical content. Critics praised it for its innovative production and emotional depth, with many considering it one of the best R&B albums of all time. Its success solidified D'Angelo's status as a leading figure in modern music and influenced countless artists to incorporate more authentic and organic sounds into their work.
• Evaluate D'Angelo's influence on contemporary R&B artists and how his style has shaped the genre's direction since the early 2000s.
  • D'Angelo's influence on contemporary R&B artists is profound; his fusion of traditional soul with modern elements has paved the way for artists like Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Frank Ocean. His emphasis on authenticity and musicality encourages today's musicians to explore deeper themes in their lyrics while utilizing live instruments instead of relying solely on digital production. This stylistic approach continues to shape the genre, as new artists draw inspiration from D'Angelo's work to create rich, textured sounds that resonate with audiences seeking both emotional depth and musical innovation.

Related terms

Neo-Soul: A subgenre of R&B that combines elements of soul, jazz, and hip-hop, characterized by its emphasis on live instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

Voodoo: D'Angelo's critically acclaimed second album released in 2000, showcasing his growth as an artist and solidifying his status in the music industry.

Prince: An iconic musician whose innovative blend of funk, rock, and R&B has had a profound influence on D'Angelo and many other contemporary artists.