Photo: Press
D'Angelo has surprised fans with the release of his first new album in 14 years. Listen to Black Messiah in full below.
The R&B star had been fairly quiet, not releasing a studio LP since 2000's critically-acclaimed Voodoo. But now he's back with Black Messiah - featuring lyrics from Q-Tip and Funkadelic’s Kendra Foster while ?uestlove of the Roots, bassist Pino Palladino and drummer James Gadson play on the album.
The album is out now in digital stores and on Spotify.
Explaining the album's title and political themes of the record, D'Angelo said: "‘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.”
Listen to Black Messiah in full below
Meanwhile, D'Angelo's full list of UK tour dates are below. Buy tickets safely and securely on Seatwave here.
17 February - O2 Academy, Birmingham
18 February - The Apollo, Manchester
20 February - The Eventim Apollo, London
