Though D’Angelo’s discography is compact, his unparalleled genius extends far beyond his widely celebrated singles. This definitive guide uncovers the hidden gems, rare collaborations, and live performances that showcase the full breadth of his artistry, confirming his status as a true neo-soul pioneer for devoted fans and new listeners alike.
The recent passing of D’Angelo at just 51 years old has left an indelible void in the music world. Revered as an undisputed musical genius, his legacy is encapsulated in a surprisingly concise discography: merely three studio albums and a live set over two decades, alongside a handful of remixes and loose tracks. While a “greatest hits” compilation might feature nearly half of his original compositions, the true depth of his artistry lies in the “deep cuts” – the tracks that reveal the meticulous craftsmanship and profound soul that define his work.
For the dedicated fan, these lesser-known recordings offer a richer understanding of an artist who prioritized craft over commerce. This article delves into the essential deep cuts, rare collaborations, and electrifying live moments that illuminate D’Angelo’s enduring influence, from his reinterpretations of Prince to his unforgettable duets with Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.
The Legacy of a Neo-Soul Visionary
Born Michael Eugene Archer in 1974, D’Angelo emerged from Richmond, Virginia, with an unmistakable voice and an innate ability to fuse rich black musical traditions with contemporary flair. He swiftly became a definitive musician of the ’90s and 2000s, helping to birth the neo-soul movement. His 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, was a masterful blend of earthy, vinyl-crackling soul evocative of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, infused with golden-era hip-hop swagger, setting the stage for artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.
His sophomore masterpiece, 2000’s Voodoo, was a culmination of years of intense study and soul-searching, deeply influenced by sessions at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios. Working with the legendary Soulquarians collective, including Questlove and J Dilla, D’Angelo crafted an experimental and free-flowing album that was a stark departure from mainstream R&B. Despite its critical acclaim, the album’s marketing, particularly the video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” led to his objectification, subsequent disillusionment, and a nearly 15-year hiatus.
He re-emerged in 2014 with Black Messiah, a stirring collection of soulful analog grooves and sociopolitical lyrics that resonated with the then-budding Black Lives Matter movement. This album showcased his continued dedication to his authentic sound, influenced by his idol Prince, and his love for collaboration, again involving fellow Soulquarians. Each album, though few, marked a pivotal moment in music history, solidifying his unique path and timeless impact, as noted by AOL.
Beyond the Singles: A Deep Dive into D’Angelo’s Essential Cuts
While tracks like “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” are foundational, D’Angelo’s extended catalog offers a treasure trove of tracks that deserve equal attention. These selections highlight his versatility, his reverence for musical tradition, and his fearless experimentation.
“I Found My Smile Again” (1995)
An outtake from the Brown Sugar sessions, this soulful track originally appeared on the 1996 Space Jam soundtrack. According to Questlove, film producers initially rejected an early version of “Playa Playa” (which would later appear on Voodoo), leading to the inclusion of this joyful anthem. It perfectly captures the optimism and musical looseness of his debut era, showcasing a different facet of his early songwriting.
“Can’t Hide Love” (live 1995)
From the often-overlooked Live at the Jazz Cafe EP, this Earth, Wind & Fire cover showcases a 21-year-old D’Angelo in his element, backed by stellar vocals from Angie Stone. This September 1995 recording captures him fully in flight, delivering a faithful yet stunning rendition that echoes his deep appreciation for classic soul.
“Heaven Must Be Like This” (live 1995)
Another gem from the Jazz Cafe sessions, this Ohio Players cover was initially exclusive to the Japanese release of the EP. Despite its relative obscurity, it’s a beautifully sung piece, featuring raindrop-like electric piano, a full horn section, and the gorgeous backing vocals of Angie Stone, reflecting D’Angelo’s profound respect for ’70s funk and soul.
“Me and Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine” Def Squad remix / DJ Premier remix (1996)
While “Devil’s Pie” is his most well-known collaboration with DJ Premier, remixes of his Brown Sugar track “Me and Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine” offer further insight into their combined genius. The DJ Premier remix and the even more innovative Def Squad Remix, featuring Erick Sermon and Redman, are sought-after treasures found on vintage EMI Records 12” singles, showcasing how hip-hop could elevate his already stellar R&B.
“Your Precious Love” with Erykah Badu (1996)
Featured on the High School High soundtrack, this cover of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1967 duet predates the full blossoming of their respective neo-soul icon status. D’Angelo and Erykah Badu deliver a performance that respects the original arrangement while infusing it with their undeniable chemistry, showcasing their early vocal prowess.
“Girl You Need a Change of Mind” (1996)
This dynamic cover of an Eddie Kendricks track from his 1973 solo album People… Hold On was included in Spike Lee’s 1996 film Get on the Bus. It exemplifies the classic-soul influence in D’Angelo’s sound, complete with string stabs and stellar falsetto, bridging the gap between the smooth grooves of Brown Sugar and the harder funk anticipated on Voodoo.
“She’s Always in My Hair” (1997)
Given Prince’s vast influence on D’Angelo’s musical philosophy, it’s surprising there aren’t more direct covers. This psychedelicized rendition of Prince’s 1985 B-side to “Raspberry Beret” is a deep dig into the crates. Often performed during his “Brothers in Arms” jams with Questlove, it’s a testament to D’Angelo’s ability to make even another legend’s work unmistakably his own.
“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” (1999)
Recorded with Questlove and released as the B-side of the European CD single for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” this cover of Roy Ayers’ jazz-funk classic is a glimpse into their collaborative jamming process. While arguably more “obscure” than a finished track, it demonstrates the raw, improvisational spirit that informed the Voodoo era and their mutual admiration for musical legends.
“Glass Mountain Trust” with Mark Ronson (2010)
Perhaps the deepest cut on this list, this bizarre collaboration from Mark Ronson’s 2010 album Record Collection stands out in both artists’ catalogs. Driven by blaring ’80s synthesizers and a pounding beat, it features a distorted lead vocal from D’Angelo, highlighting his willingness to experiment beyond traditional R&B soundscapes even during his lengthy hiatus.
Questlove and D’Angelo SuperJam (live at Bonnaroo Festival, 2012)
The “Brothers in Arms” jams, featuring D’Angelo and Questlove, were legendary for their improvisational brilliance. This Bonnaroo performance stands out, with a stellar hybrid band including bassist Pino Palladino and guitarist Jesse Johnson. Adhering to a directive to play no D’Angelo or Roots songs, they tore through covers by Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, and naturally, Prince. This multi-part mini-documentary captures the raw energy and musicianship of a truly special live event.
BONUS: “Nothing Even Matters” with Lauryn Hill (1998)
Though found on one of history’s top-selling albums, Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, this soulful duet is often considered a deep cut, tucked away as track 12. The mutual admiration between D’Angelo and Hill is palpable, with their voices harmonizing beautifully over D’Angelo’s signature electric piano embellishments. Following his passing, Hill wrote, “Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world… You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius,” cementing the significance of their collaboration.
The “Soul Blends” Cassette and the Road to Voodoo
Before Voodoo finally arrived, fans received a tantalizing preview through the “Soul Blends” cassette. This mixtape, compiled by then-little-known DJ Mark Ronson in the fall of 1999, offered the first glimpses into the experimental soundscapes that would define D’Angelo’s highly anticipated second album. This release is a testament to the organic, underground buzz that surrounded his work, hinting at the profound shift from Brown Sugar. More details on this rare item can be found on Discogs.
These deep cuts, live recordings, and rare collaborations collectively tell the story of an artist who, despite a limited official output, left an immeasurable impact on music. They reinforce D’Angelo’s status as a meticulous forerunner of slick neo-soul and a true innovator who continually pushed the boundaries of R&B, ensuring his legacy as a timeless musical genius for generations of fans.
