Unreleased D’Angelo Track “Bitch” Surfaces Online, Offering Glimpse Into Voodoo Era
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A long-sought, unreleased track by D’Angelo, titled “Bitch,” has emerged from a recent online data dump of archival material, offering fans a rare look into the creative process behind his seminal album, Voodoo. The release comes just months after the artist’s passing, sparking renewed interest in his legacy and previously unheard work.
A Lost Piece of the Soulquarian Puzzle
The track, recorded in 1996 during sessions that also produced the Illadelph Halflife collaboration “The Hypnotic,” was initially considered for the Set It Off soundtrack. According to accounts from those close to the project, “Bitch” represents a pivotal moment in D’Angelo’s artistic evolution. A prominent musician involved in the sessions described the song as the “start of the Voodoo era,” marking an early exploration of the distinctive, off-kilter groove that would define his 2000 masterpiece.
The song’s significance extends beyond its place in D’Angelo’s discography. It reveals a crucial turning point in the production style of Questlove, drummer for The Roots. He explained that the rhythm of “Bitch” compelled him to abandon his pursuit of a rigidly “quantized” sound.
The “Drunk” Groove That Changed Everything
Questlove recalled being captivated by the song’s unconventional rhythm, which he characterized as “drunk, but it was perfect.” He ultimately embraced a more “sloppy,” erratic rhythmic pulse – a style pioneered by the late J Dilla – that became a hallmark of the Soulquarians collective’s sound. This shift in approach was fundamental to the sonic landscape of Voodoo.
Interestingly, a familiar element from “Bitch” has been present in D’Angelo’s work for years. The vocal vamping featured at the beginning of his “Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine” music video was, in fact, sourced directly from the unreleased track – a subtle hint of its existence that went unnoticed by many until now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww9-W9-W9-W
The music video for “Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine” features a vocal sample originating from the newly released track, “Bitch.”
The archival material, which surfaced online via Reddit, provides a treasure trove for fans eager to delve deeper into D’Angelo’s creative world.
Revisiting the Red Bull Music Academy Interview
Further insight into the creation of “Bitch” can be found in a lengthy 2014 interview with D’Angelo for Red Bull Music Academy, where Questlove elaborates on the song’s impact. He discusses the track in detail beginning around the 1 hour, 12 minute mark.
https://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/articles/dangelo-red-bull-music-academy-interview
The full Red Bull Music Academy interview with D’Angelo provides valuable context surrounding the creation of “Bitch” and the evolution of his sound.
The emergence of “Bitch” not only offers a compelling listen for fans but also underscores the enduring influence of D’Angelo’s artistry and the collaborative spirit of the Soulquarians, solidifying their place as innovators in modern music.