D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’ Sparks Reflection on Love and Vulnerability

The recent passing of acclaimed musician D’Angelo at the age of 51 has prompted a wave of reflection on his profound impact on music and personal identity. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the artist was celebrated for his contributions to the genres of R&B and neo-soul, particularly through his seminal 2000 album, ‘Voodoo’. His work not only earned him four Grammy Awards but also resonated deeply with listeners, inspiring them to explore themes of love, vulnerability, and authenticity.

Ashon Crawley, a writer and professor of religious studies and African American studies at the University of Virginia, shares his personal journey with ‘Voodoo’ and how it shaped his understanding of life beyond the confines of traditional expectations. Initially hesitant to listen to the album due to his Pentecostal upbringing, Crawley eventually found that D’Angelo’s music offered him a path towards a more loving and honest existence.

Crawley reflects on his fears that enjoying D’Angelo’s music could lead to a spiritual crisis, stating, “Something so explicitly antagonistic to my spiritual beliefs, I feared, could be a portal to hell.” Instead, he discovered that the album served as a “portal to freedom,” allowing him to embrace a more open and generous way of living. D’Angelo, who himself had a Pentecostal background, infused his music with an intensity that mirrored Crawley’s own experiences of spirituality and community.

The influence of D’Angelo extends beyond his Grammy wins. His debut album, ‘Brown Sugar’, released in 1995, introduced a unique sound that combined elements of gospel, soul, and blues. ‘Voodoo’ showcased this innovative approach, with songs flowing seamlessly into one another, creating a spiritual ambiance reminiscent of a church service. Crawley describes the album as a deeply immersive experience, where the listener is enveloped in sound, much like the baptism of the Holy Spirit celebrated in Pentecostal traditions.

In a 2015 interview with television host Tavis Smiley, D’Angelo stated, “Pentecostalism totally informs everything I do. When I’m on the stage, I bring that with me.” This commitment to immersion is evident in his recording process. Russell Elevado, the engineer for ‘Voodoo’, noted that D’Angelo preferred his vocals mixed lower, allowing them to be part of the overall sound rather than standing out. This technique fostered a sense of togetherness with the instruments, embodying the essence of Black love and joy.

Crawley’s admiration for D’Angelo also stems from the artist’s willingness to embrace vulnerability. The musician’s struggle with personal demons, including addiction, speaks to the complexities of finding balance in life. He deliberately distanced himself from the image of a sex symbol, gaining weight and expressing discomfort with public perception. Yet, through his music, he communicated a deep understanding of the intersections between love, spirituality, and the human experience.

Crawley draws parallels to the works of author James Baldwin, who often explored similar themes of immersion and connection in his writing. He references a moment in Baldwin’s short story “Sonny’s Blues,” where the intensity of Black Pentecostal worship is compared to the euphoric high of substance use. This connection highlights the multifaceted nature of human experience, where joy and struggle coexist.

The legacy of D’Angelo’s music continues to resonate, offering insights into the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Crawley emphasizes that D’Angelo’s work encourages listeners to seek beauty in their own lives through a communal and immersive experience. The music crafted by D’Angelo invites audiences into a shared space of emotional honesty and connection, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

As fans and fellow artists remember D’Angelo, his contributions serve as a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and cultivate love and vulnerability. His albums, including ‘Black Messiah’, will echo through generations, inspiring individuals to embrace their true selves and find freedom in their expressions of love.