Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Following the passing of D’Angelo, who died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 51 after a battle with cancer, artists from all over the world shared heartfelt tributes to the legendary figure. Beyoncé was among those who honored his legacy, posting a moving message in celebration of his impact. “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry,” she wrote on her website. “You were the pioneer of Neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.”
D’Angelo’s three solo records — his debut Brown Sugar, Voodoo in 2000, and Black Messiah in 2014 — were all met with critical acclaim and reached the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart, with Voodoo taking the top spot. The album’s standout single, “Untitled (How Does it Feel),” paired with a striking one-shot video of a naked D’Angelo singing straight into the camera, became one of his most defining moments and earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. It was one of four Grammys he won over the course of his career.
One of his most unforgettable live moments came when he performed a medley of “Untitled (How Does it Feel)” and Black Messiah’s “Sugah Daddy” at the 2012 BET Awards. Beyoncé and Solange were seen dancing in the crowd as he sang, marking his first televised appearance in twelve years and just two years before he would release Black Messiah.
Other artists who paid tribute to D’Angelo included Nile Rodgers, Missy Elliott, and Tyler, the Creator. “I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius,” Tyler said as he remembered how much D’Angelo’s “One Mo’Gin” shaped his own artistry. “That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. My musical DNA was helped shaped by this man. Forever grateful. Safe travels.”
Share
Advertisement
Fresh from the triumph of his ninth UK Number 1 album Play, global hitmaker Ed Sheeran is taking his music into a new space with the release of Play – The Remixes EP. This latest project, inspired by his transformative month-long stay in India, is a lively blend of cultures that brings together some of the most acclaimed names from South Asia.
At the forefront of the release is the hypnotic new single Symmetry, a collaboration with Punjabi star Karan Aujla. The official video, directed by Liam Pethick, captures a vibrant performance from Sheeran, Aujla, and the internationally celebrated dance crew The Quick Style, creating a striking visual moment that matches the energy of the track.
The EP breathes new life into four songs from the original Play album, blending mainstream pop with a variety of Asian influences. Featured collaborators include rapper Hanumankind, Tamil vocalist Dhee, composer Santhosh Narayanan, singer Jonita, and Karan Aujla. A fresh version of the hit Sapphire, which has already surpassed half a billion streams, now includes vocals from Arijit Singh.
Sheeran explained that his creative spark came from his time in India, where he immersed himself in the country’s music scene while recording Play. “I’ve loved this collaboration process so much and I wanted to represent as much as I could on this EP,” he said, reflecting on his connection with each featured artist. Speaking about Symmetry, he added, “Karan is culture... I feel like this is the beginning of our collaborative journey, and I’m so excited to create more.”
The EP stands as a celebration of music without borders, marking Sheeran’s first Hindi song Heaven, recorded with Jonita. It reflects his dedication to artistic collaboration and shared creativity, bringing global pop together with the deep musical traditions of South India and beyond.
Play – The Remixes EP is now available, offering fans around the world a vibrant and unique fusion of sounds.
Share
Advertisement
