Fans starving for great R&B music can finally rejoice. Iconic singer D’Angelo has released his first studio album in 14 years. Now billed at D’Angelo and the Vanguard “Black Messiah” looks to be just want fans were waiting for. D’Angelo is on the RCA record label and Questlove hosted a small event in NYC to give details of the new project in conjunction with Red Bull Music Academy this past Friday. The 12 track project was released late last night and features Kendra Foster, Questlove, James Gadson and more. “It’s a passion project, and it’s everything,” Questlove told the audience. “I don’t really want to give a hyperbolic or grandiose statement, but it’s everything. It’s beautiful, it’s ugly, it’s truth, it’s lies. It’s everything.” D’Angelo stated. The album is described as explicitly political.
D’ANGELO AND THE VANGUARD’S BRAND NEW ALBUM
‘BLACK MESSIAH’ AVAILABLE NOW!
THE LONG AWAITED FOLLOW UP TO THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM ‘VOODOO’ NEW STUDIO RECORDED VERSION OF “REALLY LOVE” TO BE SERVICED TO RADIO TODAY
The wait is finally over! D’Angelo and The Vanguard’s highly anticipated and much buzzed about brand new album, Black Messiah, is available today (12/15/14) at select retail music providers. The studio recorded version of “Really Love” from Black Messiah, will be serviced to radio today.
Nearly 15 years in the making, Black Messiah contains 12 tracks of timeless music with poignant and provocative lyrics that requires repeat listening at maximum volume! On the album, D’Angelo is joined by his band, The Vanguard, alongside Pino Palladino, James Gadson and Questlove on various tracks on the album. All lyrics were written by D’Angelo in addition to Q-Tip and Kendra Foster who both wrote lyrics on several songs. With the high quality of live musicianship featured on the album, it’s important to note that “No digital ‘plug-ins’ of any kind were used in this recording. All of the recording, processing, effects and mixing was done in the analog domain using tape and mostly vintage equipment.”
D’Angelo had this to say about Black Messiah in the album’s forward:
“‘Black Messiah’ is a hell of a name for an album. It can be easily misunderstood. Many will think it’s about religion. Some will jump to the conclusion that I’m calling myself a Black Messiah. For me the title is about all of us. It’s about the world. It’s about an idea we can all aspire to. We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah. It’s about people rising up in Ferguson and in Egypt and in Occupy Wall Street and everyplace where a community has had enough and decides to make change happen. It’s not about praising one charismatic leader but celebrating thousands of them. Not every song on this album is politically charged (though many are) but calling this album Black Messiah creates a landscape where these songs can live to the fullest. Black Messiah is not one man. It’s a feeling that, collectively, we are all that leader.”
Black Messiah track listing:
SIDE A
01 Ain’t That Easy
Lyrics by D’Angelo, Q-Tip and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo
02 1000 Deaths
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo
03 The Charade
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo and Questlove
04 Sugah Daddy
Lyrics by D’Angelo, Q-Tip and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo, Pino Palladino and James Gadson
05 Really Love
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo
SIDE B
06 Back To The Future (Part I)
Lyrics and Music by D’Angelo
07 Till It’s Done (Tutu)
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo
08 Prayer
Lyrics and Music by D’Angelo
09 Betray My Heart
Lyrics and Music by D’Angelo
10 The Door
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo
11 Back To The Future (Part II)
Lyrics and Music by D’Angelo
12 Another Life
Lyrics by D’Angelo and Kendra Foster
Music by D’Angelo and Questlove
In 1995, the Richmond, VA native made an undeniable impact with the release of his debut album Brown Sugar, ushering in a new and inescapable sound with classic hits such as the album title track, “Lady,” “Cruisin,” and more. D’Angelo returned in 2000 with his platinum-plus selling album Voodoo. The critically acclaimed album won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and the hit single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel), won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
