D’Angelo’s ‘Devil’s Pie’: A Look at the ‘Black Genius’

In 2019, D’Angelo granted fans an intimate glimpse into his life through the documentary “Devil’s Pie.” Named after a track from his seminal album ‘Voodoo,’ the film, directed by Carine Bijlsma, delves into the highs and lows of his career, exploring his decision to step away from the spotlight at the peak of his fame, his spiritual journey, and the complexities of being a “Black genius.”

The Elusive Nature of Black Genius

The documentary highlights the multifaceted nature of D’Angelo’s genius and the challenges that came with it. Questlove described him as the “last pure singer on Earth” but also “elusive,” noting his tendency to “hide.” After the success of ‘Voodoo’ in 2000, D’Angelo disappeared for over a decade. His former tour manager, Alan “Pops” Leeds, attributed this hiatus partly to media focus on his arrests and a critical 2005 car accident, suggesting the “fantasy” of D’Angelo overshadowed the music.

D’Angelo himself discussed the pressure of being “the chosen one” and the responsibility that comes with his gift. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he stated, reflecting on how misuse of talent can lead to a “perverted” and “scary” place. He grappled with the dichotomy between his public persona, D’Angelo, and his private self, Michael Archer, finding it difficult to separate the two, especially after performing.

The ‘Untitled’ Downfall and Personal Battles

The immense success and sexualization following the “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video significantly impacted D’Angelo. He reportedly disliked the intense focus on his image, contributing to his withdrawal. Questlove recalled how the Voodoo tour’s planned two-and-a-half-hour show was cut short by audience demands for him to “take it off.” Leeds felt the fantasy surrounding D’Angelo overshadowed the music, frustrating the artist.

During this period, D’Angelo also navigated personal grief, including the loss of his uncle, grandmother, and a close friend to suicide. These events, coupled with his struggles with substance abuse, led him to attempt rehab multiple times. He found solace and sobriety through working on music, eventually realizing the severity of his problem during his third rehab stint.

Faith, Music, and the Industry

D’Angelo’s faith remained a constant throughout his life, inspired by his grandmother. He spoke about trusting in God and the gifts bestowed upon him, viewing music as his purpose and a way to remain free from distractions. He described the music industry as a “contact sport” and blamed the “business” for the downfall of many artists. The documentary concludes with D’Angelo listening to the gospel song “Lord, Plant My Feet On Higher Ground” and confirming he was working on his fourth album, leaving fans with a sense of hope and anticipation.