My fellow columnist Talib Nelson, because of a simple, yet heavy question that he posed, inspired this post. His question: Who is the better artist and entertainer? Talib knows well that he would be starting a New World Order in music by asking a woman that question. It’s like asking if Juniors Cheesecake is better than a slice of Red Velvet Cake from Cake Man Raven (don’t EVER ask me that question, please and thank you). So in other words, it’s weighted and heavy. Nonetheless, everyone has his or her choice and I am about to share mine with you. Of course, there is a story – I cannot let you down!
D’Angelo is that ‘ish. no doubt. I was in New York City on a trip with my BFF, when the track "Shit, Damn, Motherf*****" was bumping hard over the sound system at Beat Street. The thing is, we knew of "Brown Sugar," but in our warped minds, that graphic portrayal of literally loving one to death, was the deciding factor in purchasing the album right then and there. D’Angelo was that sneaky, piano playing, curled lipped-licking, Marvin Gaye singing dude, who made you wonder what else was to come under that Prince like persona. Releasing an album every eclipse and having people waiting by baited breath is still his ammo. What’s a gal to do?
From day one, I was a Maxwell devotee. I was bald for close to 5 years and he inspired me to grow my natural fro’, which has now turned into 10 years of locs. The first note of "Til The Cops Come Knocking" was enough to send me into a spiraling abyss of admiration and…okay…lust for the man. His sexy disposition, that smile and his music – what a package. His album The Urban Hang Suite could do absolutely no wrong, from beginning to end and vice versa. It was a midsummer night’s dream, wrapped up in a fluffy red bow and a note that read: LOVE ME. And I sure did. Yet patiently, like a child awaiting her first Cabbage Patch Doll, I wait for his next release. What’s a gal to do?
Well, let me break this down to you like this. I am originally from Montreal, Qc and as beautiful as my city is, we lack in soulful stirring concerts. Not sure about now, since I haven’t lived there in almost 10 years, but back then – nada. So for the exception of a few shows here and there, we had to travel for music and that is exactly what myself and a few friends did. We purchased tickets and we planned a trip to Toronto to see D’Angelo in concert. I was looking forward to this for MONTHS, only for us to find out the day before the show, through a customer at the store (I worked at HMV at the time), that the date was postponed because he fell ill. All right, we let that pass because the unexpected can happen. The changed date was entered in my agenda and we all waited patiently. Car and hotel room were rented and we drove the 5 hrs ride to Toronto. Before the show, we caught up with old friends and it so happened that one of them worked at the hotel that D’Angelo was lodging at. I am sure by now; you can guess the outcome of this situation. Long story short, we learned from the "inside man" that D’Angelo was canceling the show, because of food poising! WHAT?! After you and your entourage were shopping all day in the city?! Who’s to say that our "inside man" was not fibbing about the shopping part, but who cared at that point? You couldn’t take some Imodium and call it a day? We were livid because we were gamed by D’Angelo twice over, and trust when I say; it was not going to happen again. Yes, the show was cancelled hours before he was to go on.
I recently saw Maxwell in concert at Radio City Music Hall in October 08’ for the first time! I nearly lost my mind. To sell out a show without having a new album released – reflects just what kind of power the man yields. And we know D’Angelo Archer has had some rough times and we have seen his transformation from Black Adonis to the late great ODB. However, I still have faith that he will be able to return to the spotlight, with an album even more spellbinding than Voodoo.
With that said, I guess you already know who is the better entertainer in my eye. Maxwell, I love me some you. Hey Mr. Archer, get it together please and thank you, you are on my naughty list and you have lost some love over here. You have some explaining to do.
