When D’Angelo dropped Voodoo on January 25, 2000, the world didn’t just get an album — it got a masterclass in groove, spirit, and creative freedom. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios with the Soulquarians, this was funk, jazz, and hip hop all in one breath — a record that felt alive. Here are five deep-cut facts about Voodoo you probably didn’t know.
1. It was born from late-night jam sessions and Soul Train reruns
D’Angelo and Questlove spent nights at Electric Lady Studios watching tapes of Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone, and Jimi Hendrix, then jamming until sunrise. Their mission? To chase the “vibe.” One of those sessions listening to Prince’s Parade birthed the haunting closer “Africa.”
2. J Dilla’s uncredited fingerprints shaped the entire sound
Even though J Dilla wasn’t officially listed as a producer, his influence is everywhere. The offbeat drum feel, the imperfect swing, the human timing — all inspired by his programming style. Questlove called it “the zenith of hip-hop to us.”
3. Electric Lady Studios was more than a location — it was spiritual
D’Angelo believed Jimi Hendrix’s spirit was in the walls. Using Hendrix’s original mixing board and Stevie Wonder’s Fender Rhodes from Talking Book, the sessions became what D’Angelo described as “blessed by the greats.”
4. The grooves were played to feel wrong — on purpose
Questlove and D’Angelo designed the rhythms to hang behind the beat, pushing funk’s boundaries. They aimed for imperfection — what Questlove called “the little glitch that makes it sound messed up.” That human looseness became Voodoo’s magic.
5. The video that changed everything
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” wasn’t just a hit — it redefined how a soul artist could be seen. The simple, one-take video of D’Angelo singing shirtless became an instant cultural moment and catapulted the album to #1 on the Billboard 200.
Voodoo went on to win the Grammy for Best R&B Album, sell over 1.7 million copies, and inspire generations of neo-soul artists. It remains one of the purest musical statements of groove, spirit, and artistry ever recorded.