D’Angelo passed away at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his three children and leaves behind a profoundly intricate career that redefined music. Following the release of “Brown Sugar” in 1995, he emerged as a breakout star, seamlessly merging the raw, unfiltered energy of hip-hop with the musicianship of funk, the soulful warmth of R&B, and the timeless craftsmanship of classic songwriting.
During an era when R&B was heavily influenced by hip-hop soul, D’Angelo introduced something so innovative that it defied categorization. To describe his sound, his manager coined the term “neo-soul,” though D’Angelo himself preferred to call it simply Black music.
10. D’Angelo x The Vanguard – Really Love (2014)
Album: Black Messiah
Written by: D’Angelo, Gina Figueroa, Kendra Foster, Curtis Mayfield
The Grammy-winning track “Really Love” begins with enchanting Spanish guitar and Brent Fischer’s sweeping orchestration, marking one of the most exquisite arrangements of his career. It incorporates a sample from Curtis Mayfield, a pivotal figure whose influence resonates throughout D’Angelo’s music. The song evokes the sweetness found in “Brown Sugar”, but with a deeper, grittier edge shaped by years of self-imposed exile, parenthood, and maturity.
9. Send It On (2000)
Album: Voodoo
Written by: D’Angelo, Angie Stone, Luther Archer
“Send It On” was the first song that emerged following the birth of D’Angelo’s son. Co-written with singer Angie Stone — his then partner and the mother of his child — and his brother Luther, this piece reimagines the instrumental essence of Kool and the Gang’s “Sea of Tranquility.” The lyrics delve into the mix of longing, fear, and acceptance that defined D’Angelo’s journey into fatherhood, revealing an emotional embrace of passing wisdom to the next generation. Highlighted by Roy Hargrove’s sumptuous horns and D’Angelo’s gospel-inspired closing vocals, “Send It On” stands as one of his most radiant creations.
8. Africa (2000)
Album: Voodoo
Written by: D’Angelo, Angie Stone, Questlove, Luther Archer
Following the climactic sensuality of “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” “Africa” offers a heartfelt blend of two monumental inspirations — the arrival of D’Angelo’s first child and the legacy of his African heritage. Centered around the drum pattern from Prince’s “I Wonder U,” this closing track delivers an ethereal soundscape featuring Fender Rhodes melodies and dreamy backward guitar strains. Its lullaby-like quality reflects an emotional tribute to both his son and the motherland.
7. Spanish Joint (2000)
Album: Voodoo
Written by: D’Angelo, Roy Hargrove
D’Angelo rarely ventured into uptempo territory, making “Spanish Joint” a standout in his catalog. Fusing southern soul with Midwestern hip-hop vibes, most of his work leaned toward mid-tempo grooves or unconventional rhythms. This vibrant track, brought to life by Roy Hargrove’s Latin-inspired horn arrangements and Charlie Hunter’s double-duty on guitar and bass, invites movement—from ballroom bachata routines to wild basement parties.
6. The Root
Album: Voodoo
Written by: D’Angelo, Luther Archer & Charlie Hunter
Driven by Questlove’s production and Charlie Hunter’s guitar work, The Root stands as one of D’Angelo’s most complex musical creations. There’s an eerie satisfaction in his helplessness as he sings, “She got it on me and I’m just fucked up,” capturing raw vulnerability. Infused with hoodoo and voodoo-inspired mysticism, the track evolves with D’Angelo showing less heartbreak and more possession by its end. Following the footsteps of legends like Sly Stone, Prince, and Marvin Gaye, The Root seamlessly blends soul, blues, and gospel within D’Angelo’s signature gritty growl and falsetto. A sexual mid-tempo blues piece birthed during the Soulquarians’ creative peak, it’s a masterstroke of its era.
5. Lauryn Hill ft. D’Angelo – Nothing Even Matters (1998)
Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Written by: Lauryn Hill
Nothing Even Matters is a rare gem where D’Angelo didn’t contribute to the writing or production process, yet his unmistakable sonic touch shines through with delicate Fender Rhodes chords and soft organ tones. The synergistic exchange between Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo creates a balance of devotion that feels both sacred and sensual. Although it was never released as an official single, its remarkable radio presence made it unforgettable — a true testament to its timelessness.
4. Lady (1995)
Album: Brown Sugar
Written by: D’Angelo & Raphael Saadiq
Originally penned for Tony! Toni! TonĂ©!, Lady quickly became D’Angelo’s defining claim to modern soul—later coined neo-soul. Confident rather than pleading like artists such as Guy or Jodeci, D’Angelo’s approach sets him apart. Beyond the song itself lies its groundbreaking visuals: the laid-back, effortlessly cool house party featured in the Hype Williams-directed original video. Then came DJ Premier’s iconic remix, with visuals celebrating Black femininity starring Faith Evans, Erykah Badu, and Joi. Lady restructured the genre entirely, carving out space for love songs that seamlessly merged cool, hip-hop vibes without losing their soulful essence.
3. Devil’s Pie (1998)
Album: Belly (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Written by: D’Angelo & DJ Premier
Soulquarians—a collective deeply rooted in soul and hip-hop fusion—found their spirit distilled in a track like Devil’s Pie, produced by DJ Premier. Tracks from Voodoo often explored themes of sex, lust, fear, and the thin barrier between sensuality and spirituality. Here, D’Angelo mumbles through temptation and materialism with biting lyrics such as: “Fuck the slice, we want the pie/ Drugs and thugs, women and wine/ Watch them all stand in line/ For a slice of the devil’s pie.”´It’s both seductive and forewarning — a powerful message wrapped in soulful delivery.
2. Brown Sugar (1995)
Album: Brown Sugar
Written by: D’Angelo & Ali Shaheed Muhammad
With elements drawn from Roy Ayers and hints of Rick James’ Mary Jane, the title track of D’Angelo’s debut album introduced a refined R&B during an evolving era for the genre. Brown Sugar resonates with a Marvin Gaye-inspired warmth combined with fresh hip-hop undertones. The song isn’t just about weed — it transforms indulgence into an intimate experience through clever double entendres like “even got a big sister by the name of Chocolate Ty.” Rooted in Philly Soul energy, it remains a distinctive love anthem layered with nuance.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000)
Album: Voodoo
Written by: D’Angelo & Raphael Saadiq
During one laid-back moment in the late ’90s at Electric Lady Studios, Raphael Saadiq collaborated with D’Angelo while bonding over a smoke session. The result? Untitled (How Does It Feel) — an iconic song encapsulating sensuality at its apex. With Saadiq’s fluid guitar weaving into D’Angelo’s gripping vocals, Untitled unfolds as the sonic embodiment of a slow build to climax — a masterpiece of tension and release. Accompanied by its unforgettable music video, this track instantly anchors itself as D’Angelo’s signature work — a defining piece that echoes whenever his name is mentioned to this day.
