Following the heartbreaking news of D’Angelo’s passing at age 51, director Paul Hunter—the visionary behind the seminal “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video—remembers the neo-soul icon as a “really beautiful soul” and a profound contributor to music and culture. This tribute offers a deep dive into the making and lasting impact of the video that both defined and complicated D’Angelo’s public image.
The music world mourns the loss of Michael D’Angelo Archer, widely known as D’Angelo, who passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His contributions to neo-soul and R&B are immeasurable, but for many, his legacy is inextricably linked to the visually striking and culturally explosive music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from his 2000 album, Voodoo. Now, the acclaimed director of that video, Paul Hunter, shares his poignant memories of the artist.
Hunter, one of the most influential directors in hip-hop and R&B, having worked with luminaries like Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, is still processing the news of D’Angelo’s death. He fondly remembers their conversations during the planning of the “Untitled” video. “We talked about how great the song was and how much of a great place he was in,” Hunter shared with Rolling Stone. “The goal was to make a stripped-down, unfiltered music video of D’Angelo performing the song in a really honest way. We wanted to light him beautifully and just make it very honest and raw.”
The Vision Behind “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
The “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” video was not merely a promotional clip; it was a cultural event. Designed to be a direct conduit between D’Angelo’s soul and his audience, it eschewed the extravagant visuals typical of the early 2000s Total Request Live era. Hunter’s vision was about vulnerability and authenticity.
Working alongside D’Angelo’s then-manager Dominique Trenier, Hunter created a piece that Rolling Stone would later rank number seven on its list of the 100 greatest music videos. Its sparseness became its strength, offering fans an intimate, front-row seat to his performance.
Crafting a Raw Aesthetic: Behind the Scenes of the Video Shoot
The simplicity of the video belied its technical ingenuity. Hunter revealed that the shoot was “really simple,” utilizing a soft top light and having D’Angelo on a turntable. “It was actually two shots weaved together. The camera essentially stayed in one place, and then we rotated D and the light moved in a way that kept him lit right,” he explained. This technique allowed for the continuous, unbroken gaze that captivated millions.
Upon its release, the video sparked countless discussions, largely due to the perception that D’Angelo appeared naked. In reality, he wore low-slung pants just out of frame. Trenier recalled D’Angelo’s initial reaction to the concept: “Initially, to him, [nearly being naked] seemed completely bonkers. He didn’t quite get what I was saying. He kept going, ‘What do you mean, naked?'”
A Gift and a Curse: The Sex Symbol Persona
While the video cemented D’Angelo’s status as a visionary musician, it also unintentionally launched him as a prominent sex symbol. This newfound image proved to be a “gift and a curse,” according to Hunter, leading the artist to retreat from the public eye for several years as fans began to yell for him to take his shirt off at shows.
Despite the sensuous nature of the final product, Hunter’s directorial intent was “completely opposite” to anything sexual. In 2012, he revealed to GQ that his direction focused on deeper, more personal connections. “It was about his grandmother’s cooking,” he said. “Think of your grandmother’s greens, how it smelled in the kitchen. What did the yams and fried chicken taste like? That’s what I want you to express.” This intimate approach aimed to tap into D’Angelo’s early memories of warmth and comfort, connecting his performance to profound personal experiences.
Indeed, a source told People that D’Angelo was “never” comfortable with the sex symbol label. The “chiseled machismo man that people fell in love with, that wasn’t his natural aesthetic. He was naturally a bigger guy,” the source explained. This internal conflict, coupled with struggles related to his health and lifestyle, contributed to his withdrawal from the spotlight.
A Legacy of Soul: Tributes and Artistic Influence
The news of D’Angelo’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the music industry. His family released a heartfelt statement, saying, “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.” They added, “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” as reported by People.
Artists like Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Nile Rodgers paid their respects. Beyoncé wrote, “You were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.” D’Angelo’s career was marked by immense critical success, including 14 Grammy Award nominations and four wins, cementing his status as a true innovator.
The Road to “Black Messiah” and “The Second Coming Tour”
After a long hiatus following the intense scrutiny of his public image, D’Angelo re-emerged with his critically acclaimed third studio album, Black Messiah, in 2014. This heralded his return to the live stage with The Second Coming Tour, which spanned from February 7, 2015, to November 6, 2015.
The tour was a global affair, encompassing 57 shows across Europe, North America, and Asia. It featured a dynamic band lineup including Pino Palladino on bass and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson on drums, showcasing D’Angelo’s enduring commitment to live musicianship. Notably, the setlist for The Second Coming Tour included “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” demonstrating the lasting power and significance of that pivotal song in his catalog, even years after its initial, transformative impact.
The Second Coming Tour Details:
- Associated Album: Black Messiah
- Start Date: February 7, 2015
- End Date: November 6, 2015
- Total Shows: 57 (27 in Europe, 27 in North America, 3 in Asia)
- Notable Setlist Inclusion: “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
- Opening Acts: Raheem Bakaré, Gary Clark, Jr., Meg Mac, Pascal Le Boeuf Trio
Paul Hunter’s remembrance paints a picture of an artist who was deeply invested in his craft and connected to his roots. “He was just a really chill, laid-back guy,” Hunter said, adding that D’Angelo “talked a lot about family and his grandmother and his love for the music that he was making, his artistry. His performance reflected the power of the song in a real way. Very truthful.”
In his passing, D’Angelo leaves behind a timeless musical tapestry and a video that remains one of the most striking and honest visual expressions in music history. His “beautiful soul” and pioneering artistry will continue to inspire generations.
