There are probably other Prince eras I would give the slightest edge to musically, but this is the one I feel most aligned with philosophically. Looking forward to reading your full take on it!!

You can hear me discuss “Sexuality,” one of Prince’s key songs of this era, on a 2021 episode of “The Press Rewind – Prince Lyrics Podcast.” 4/4

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I most enjoyed learning about the origins of his recurring concept of “the dawn” (not on record yet, but something he was already toying with according to those who knew him) and some of his spiritual experiences offstage. 3/4

His “early doctrine” is really encapsulated in this trio of albums: “Dirty Mind,” “Controversy” and “1999.” Over this period, you can hear him establishing a philosophy of liberation through sexual freedom, while gradually introducing Christian ideology. 2/4

I wanted to see how D’Angelo would continue to evolve as part of this lineage. It was heartbreaking to put “late” in front of his name in my book yesterday. 4/4

Whether they are serving as inspirations or cautionary tales, these men are all teachers. And the Black artists coming after them can use the lessons. 3/4

One of my favorite sections is about Prince’s “spiritual predecessors”: Little Richard, Marvin Gaye and Al Green. There are obvious musical comparisons to be made, but I’m more interested in examining how they navigated the sacred and profane in their art and in their lives. 2/4

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It’s best to remember his process, genius and impact. Rest in peace.

- Photo of D'Angelo taken by me at Bonnaroo 2015. (4/10)

I eventually landed a placement, completed the interviews, wrote the piece and received payment. But the article was never released. I’m sharing it for the first time because it’s really all I can offer right now after finding out that another one of my favorite artists has died. (3/10)

That is exactly what happened when “Unshaken” was discovered in the 2018 video game “Red Dead Redemption 2.” I was at a doctor’s appointment freaking out. I immediately grabbed my phone and fired off emails to do interviews with D’Angelo’s co-writers before I even pitched a publication. (2/10)