This past weekend D’Angelo performed at the Apollo Theater for his Verzuz performance. But instead of battling a fellow musician, which has been the regular format for the series, D’Angelo invited pals to perform cuts from his catalogue. To open his set, he brought out trumpeter Keyon Harrold, who helped him perform a new song. “Love is a thing makes life worth while / It will never go out of style / That’s love,” he sang, prompting the virtual audience to sing along with him. No battles, only love here. He then performed a cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin.'”
He played highlights from Voodoo, Brown Sugar, and Black Messiah. The crew of friends that he brought out included Redman and Method Man. The two performed their verses of “Left & Right” and the latter did some of his track “Break Ups 2 Make Ups.” Towards the end, there was a surprise performance from H.E.R., who played her hit “Best Part” and sang the Lauryn Hill part on “Nothing Even Matters” with D.
D’Angelo also talked about Harlem as his second home and performing at Amateur Night back when he was a teenager. “So what happened?” asked DJ Scratch. “I won,” D’Angelo shrugged with a laugh.
It’s been a little over six years since D released his last studio album Black Messiah, but his Verzuz performance was a reminder that all is good when there’s some D’Angelo in the world. His albums spanning three decades are still as classic and fresh as ever. Although it’s unclear how much longer it will be before we get another full-length from D’Angelo, he reminds us that he’s worth the wait.
Check out the setlist and watch below.
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Untitled new song feat. Keyon Harrold
“Cruisin’” (Smokey Robinson cover)
“Alright”
“Lady”
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine”
“Left & Right” (with Method Man and Redman)
“Break Ups 2 Make Ups” (performed by Method Man)
“1000 Deaths”
“Back to the Future, Pt. 1”
“Sugah Daddy”
“Devil’s Pie”
“One Mo’ Gin”
“Chicken Grease”
“Feel Like Makin’ Love”
“Jonz in My Bonz”
“Really Love”
“Another Life”
“Send It On”
“Spanish Joint”
“Best Part” (performed by H.E.R.)
“Nothing Even Matters” (Lauryn Hill cover with H.E.R.)
“The Root”
“Brown Sugar”
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
