Who? D'Angelo was once hailed as 'the new Prince', but after releasing two incredible soul albums, Brown Sugar and VooDoo, the artist formerly known as 'R'n'B Jesus' fell off the musical radar and succumbed to drugs.
Why? Because D'Angelo and his mentor ?uestlove are friends again. Work on the new album, James River, is said to be nearly complete, featuring collaborations with Mark Ronson, Cee-loand Prince himself. And because someone who wrote Untitled ('How Does It Feel') deserves an unlimited supply of second chances to create a masterpiece one more 'gin.
Drive slow, homey: The new single "I found my smile again" is a bit... "meh". In 2007, D'Angelo also sent out a press release announcing the imminent release of "James River", followed by ominous radio silence. Word is, the election of Obama inspired him to actually get things done this time, though. An international tour is said to be in the works. We hope and pray ?uestlove will be on board again. (Bootleg tip: fire up your favourite P2P network and look for the Stockholm Live Bootleg... Or relive the chemistry after the jump with a live performance of 'Chicken Grease' at the Chris Rock show.)
But I want it now! "James River" will (hopefully) be released this summer. Listen to the new single and some D'Angelo classics after the jump.
Chicken Grease
Untitled
Cruisin'