AFROPUNK 2014: D’Angelo Casts A Spell Over Brooklyn [VIDEO]

Many believed that D came back and made a statement of his return during the 2012 Essence Festival. I’d like to say that they were wrong (even though I wasn’t there). His true tour de force was made in Brooklyn, at Commodore Barry Park, in front of thousands of adorning fans who were mystified by his alluring power and captivating performance. Throughout the hourlong set, D, backed by members of The Roots, performed this hodge-podge of ElectroSoulFunk, mixed with Hip-Hop and dripping with sex appeal.

His spirit still captured the essence that we all knew and loved. It was alive, conquering, and eager to show new and veteran fans alike, that he was more than his former Neo-Soul self. Even if he only played one song from Voodoo and nothing from his 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, his performance of The Ohio Players’ classic “Our Love Has Died” had the masses feeling the rougher edges of D’Angelo’s soulful sound.

Watch the full performance below:

For me, one of the major highlights was hearing the awesomely psychedelic rock version of Fishbone’s “Black Flowers,” with the band’s own Angelo Moore coming out to perform the track. The cut was music to an audiophile’s ear and a moment of pure humility, a s D’Angelo dedicated the song to a close friend of his. With Questlove leading the melodic troops, every note was soaked in D’Angelo’s signature emotion and powerful yells brought even the staunchest critic to appreciate his God-given talents.

Enjoy “Black Flowers” shot by NERD ERA below:

As the night inched towards the witching hour, the band closed with an impressive and astonishing take on Prince’s “She’s Always in My Hair.” The people to the right of me as I attempted to capture the groove, mentioned amongst themselves that they had never heard this D’Angelo song ever, but it “sounded like the funkiest thing of the evening”. Even if D’Angelo never again shares with us his previous work, his sound, skill, and showmanship are as strong as it was in 1995. I enjoyed myself greatly and hope that all those who did attend this year’s AFROPUNK did as well.

Watch the “She’s Always in My Hair” performance below: