On this date in 2000, neo soul pioneer D’Angelo launched his second full size studio album Voodoo, a physique of labor that might come to outline the sound, spirit, and emotional depth of a whole era. Launched 5 years after his debut Brown Sugar, the album marked a fearless inventive evolution and stays one of the influential albums in fashionable Black music.
D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, handed away on October 14, 2025 on the age of 51, as confirmed by his household. His demise despatched shockwaves by the music world, leaving followers and artists alike reflecting on a legacy constructed on vulnerability, groove, and uncompromising inventive integrity. In that context, Voodoo stands not solely as a masterpiece, however as a long-lasting testomony to his genius.
Recorded between 1998 and 1999 at Electrical Woman Studios in New York Metropolis, Voodoo was formed throughout a interval of deep immersion within the Soulquarians motion. The classes prioritized really feel over perfection, dwell instrumentation over digital polish, and emotional honesty over business formulation. D’Angelo produced nearly all of the album himself, with further contributions from DJ Premier and Raphael Saadiq, permitting the music to breathe organically whereas remaining grounded in rhythm and soul.
Lyrically, Voodoo explored intimacy, sexuality, private development, spirituality, and fatherhood with a degree of openness hardly ever heard in mainstream music. D’Angelo’s vocal supply typically lagged simply behind the beat, making a stress that turned one of many album’s defining traits. The consequence was a sound that felt human, uncooked, and deeply private.
Upon its launch, Voodoo debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, promoting 320,000 copies in its first week and remaining on the chart for 33 weeks. The album was supported by 5 singles, most notably “Untitled How Does It Really feel,” whose video introduced D’Angelo widespread mainstream consideration and sparked dialog round vulnerability, masculinity, and inventive publicity. The album acquired common essential acclaim and appeared on numerous yr finish finest album lists.
Over time, Voodoo has solely grown in stature. Its affect might be heard throughout soul, R and B, hip hop, and various music, inspiring artists who worth groove, restraint, and emotional fact over traits. It reshaped how rhythm was approached, how silence was used, and the way imperfection might grow to be a power.
Greater than 2 a long time later, Voodoo stays a cornerstone of Black musical expression and a defining chapter in D’Angelo’s legacy. In mild of his passing, the album resonates even deeper, standing as each a present and a farewell from an artist who gave all the things to the music.
Salute to D’Angelo and to everybody who helped carry Voodoo to life. His voice could also be gone, however his impression stays everlasting.
