Fans miss the point of D’Angelo’s famously steamy video as no conquest mission intended
As MTV closes its final music channels in the UK, there is a sense of nostalgia for an era when television extensively featured music videos. This period marked the beginning of the pop-as-product concept in the 2000s and the current influencer era. Artists had to balance visual appeal with musical presence. Not all artists relied on attractiveness; some used humor or quirkiness, like Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott.
D’Angelo’s Iconic Video
When D’Angelo released the “Untitled” video, its distinct style caught everyone’s attention. The video, featuring a topless D’Angelo with a slowly moving camera, became iconic for its artistic expression. This Grammy-winning production highlighted the romantic elements of D’Angelo’s album, “Voodoo,” yet left an impression of a mission aimed at conquest.
Context of the Release
Fredara Hadley, an ethnomusicology professor at Juilliard, reminisced about the era’s unique blend of music videos featuring both objectification and empowerment. Released in the same year as Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again” and Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women,” D’Angelo’s video offered a fresh take on male representation in music.
The Making of a Statement
Journalist Touré recounted how D’Angelo’s manager, Dominique Trenier, initially persuaded the singer to create the “Untitled” video. The production was described as “uncomfortable” by those present, highlighting the tension between art and perceived exploitation.
A Deeper Artistic Journey
- D’Angelo’s album “Voodoo” featured themes of love and vulnerability.
- The track “Lady” expressed his commitment to his girlfriend.
- “The Root” depicted the singer’s struggle with intense emotions.
D’Angelo described writing “The Root” as therapeutic, showcasing his emotional turmoil within the song.
Physical Image and Identity
D’Angelo felt pressured to maintain the physical image represented in the “Untitled” video. Questlove, his collaborator, noted the artist’s dedication to preserving this image through rigorous physical preparation.
Despite fan interpretations of a conquest mission, D’Angelo’s “Untitled” was an exploration of vulnerability, artistry, and identity in the R&B genre.
