Remembering D’Angelo: The Making of a Groundbreaking Music Video
The news of D’Angelo’s passing at the age of 51 has triggered a wave of memories for fans of the soul singer, particularly his iconic music video for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" from his 2000 album Voodoo. The video, which features D’Angelo singing and performing against a black backdrop, wearing only a gold chain and a crucifix, was a rare moment of male objectification in pop music and won him a legion of new fans.
The Concept Behind the Video
The director of the video, Paul Hunter, shared the story behind the making of this cultural moment. According to Hunter, the idea for the video came from D’Angelo’s manager, Dominique Trenier. Hunter worked with Trenier to bring the concept to life, which was to capture D’Angelo’s performance in a simple and honest way. The goal was to focus on D’Angelo as a man and an artist, rather than creating a flashy or over-the-top video.
A Bold and Sensual Video
The video was shot in a single take, with the camera rotating around D’Angelo as he performed. The illusion of nudity was created, but Hunter revealed that D’Angelo was not fully nude during filming. The video was beautifully lit, and the camera work was carefully planned to create a sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer. The result was a video that was both sensual and emotionally satisfying, and it helped to establish D’Angelo as a rising star in the music industry.
The Shooting Process
The video was shot in just six hours, with Hunter and his team using a motion control system to plan out the camera movements and lighting. The final product was a seamless and silky-smooth video that showcased D’Angelo’s performance and artistry. Hunter recalled that D’Angelo was focused on his performance and didn’t discuss any concerns about the video’s concept or his comfort level during filming.
The Impact of the Video
The video for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" was a game-changer for D’Angelo, introducing him to a wider audience and cementing his status as a soul music icon. Hunter remembered that people loved the video when it came out, and it helped to establish D’Angelo as a talented and innovative artist. The video’s simplicity and intimacy were a departure from the over-the-top hip-hop and soul videos of the time, and it connected with viewers on a deeper level.
A Timeless Legacy
D’Angelo’s passing is a sad reminder of the impact he had on the music industry and his fans. The video for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" remains a timeless work of art, a testament to D’Angelo’s talent and artistry. Hunter’s creation will continue to be remembered and celebrated as a groundbreaking moment in music video history, and a tribute to D’Angelo’s enduring legacy.
