Malindi Minute: D'Angelo, Education, and Kirk Franklin

This week, D’Angelo passed. The influential Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist left a legacy that’s hard to concisely put into words. But we’ll make an attempt. His career was intentional, specific, and exact. He released 3 studio albums in a career that spanned over 30 years. He had a unique understanding that music was a sacred thing and that artists had a larger responsibility with their platforms and their messaging. In a world where it sometimes feels as though artists are both too accessible and can oversaturate the Market, D’Angelo was low-key and picked carefully who he worked with and what his name was associated with. He was a student of music who spoke highly of artists like Prince and Stevie Wonder. And studied genres like gospel and funk. Listening to his music, the warm chords were often reminiscent of church overtures, and the swing of his grooves could’ve mentally taken you to a juke joint or a lounge, depending on your mood. As one of the architects of neosoul, his music was vulnerable and had a very inviting sound. Even when you really sit and listen, the progressions and chord structure of his music are anything but approachable. The son of a Pentecostal preacher, it was clear that his ear was developed or at least partially developed within the walls of the Black church. A sink-or-swim place for musicians. Of course, when artists or big figures pass, the sadness is the first instinct. After that, the hope is that such a great figure like D’Angelo will inspire future musicians and singers. His attention to detail and songwriting style are codes to revolutionary systems. They speak to people and places on deeper, ancestral levels.

Campus is a Black owned, 2-year online college that acquired Sizzle AI this week. Sizzle is a company that allows anyone to learn any subject from AI-generated content. It was founded by a former Meta executive. Tade Oyerinde, the founder of Campus, has raised over $100 million for his startup. And sees it as an alternative to physically going on a campus, although they are developing a campus. The programs are affordable, and they offer a lot of online options, they have personal mentors for students, quality instructors from prestigious institutions, and they provide wifi and laptops for students who are in need. With the growing population of students and the increasing cost of education, Campus is providing an opportunity at an accredited institution, and the credits are fully transferable to four-year institutions. Meaning students can save money and continue on to higher education if they wish.

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Conversations this week

On “Den of Kings,” Kirk Franklin speaks with a table of guests on mental health, vulnerability, and much more.

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Song of the Week: “Smokin Potna” by Jordan Ward feat. Sailorr (U.S.A.)

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