The ESSENCE Music Festival headliner sang his beloved hit, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” before segueing into a new song “Sugar Daddy, co-written with Q-Tip from his upcoming album, reportedly called James River.
The performance was the soul man’s first televised appearance in 12 years. On deck with a full band and three backup singers, D’Angelo’s voice easily floated between his tenor and signature falsetto. So soulful was the performance, Beyoncé and Solange were among a handful of celebrities who could be seen jumping from their seats to and bopping their heads to what can only be described as a funky experience that showed how the singer’s musicianship had matured.
Next up for D’Angelo is a full set at the ESSENCE Music Festival this Friday, July 6. Got tickets?