Episode three chronicles D'Angelo's resurrection and final chapter. After years of silence, he returned in 2012 with European performances and a triumphant Bonnaroo set featuring his new ten-piece band, The Vanguard, debuting raw, urgent new material that proved he still possessed genius. Working with Raphael Saadiq from 2012 to 2014 while achieving sobriety, D'Angelo created Black Messiah—an album inspired by Ferguson protests, police brutality, and Black Lives Matter that explored both social justice and personal redemption. Surprise-released December 15, 2014, with no warning, the album debuted at number five and earned near-universal acclaim for arriving exactly when America needed it. In February 2016, D'Angelo won two more Grammys—Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song for "Really Love"—completing his redemption arc. The episode chronicles Prince's devastating 2016 death and D'Angelo's emotional tribute, his continued reclusiveness, his 2024 collaboration with Jay-Z on "I Want You Forever," and whispered health concerns. After canceling his May 2025 Roots Picnic appearance due to "unforeseen surgery complications," D'Angelo died October 14, 2025, from pancreatic cancer at age 51. The episode concludes with global tributes, analysis of his profound influence on Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, and contemporary R&B, and reflection on his legacy: three perfect albums that proved artistic integrity matters more than commercial output.
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