On October 14, the world of music mourned the loss of a true innovator, D’Angelo, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 51. His passing took fans by surprise, as he had kept his illness private, with only a select few aware of his condition. In the wake of his death, the surge in popularity of his beloved songs mirrored a typical phenomenon seen when a legendary artist leaves us.
Throughout his storied career, D’Angelo released just three albums, yet his influence is undeniable. His legacy continues to evolve even after his departure, as several of his tracks make their debut on various Billboard charts. Remarkably, the artist achieves his inaugural No. 1 positions on a few key charts in the United States shortly after his passing.
This week, D’Angelo’s standout track in America is “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” Known for its profound impact during his lifetime, the song has become a focal point of reflection for grieving fans.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” makes a notable entry on four Billboard charts, topping two of them. D’Angelo earns his first posthumous No. 1 spots on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and R&B Digital Song Sales charts, as the track ascends to the pinnacle.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” Becomes D’Angelo’s First No. 1
The R&B classic also appears on two additional charts, securing top 10 positions across the board. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” debuts at No. 7 on the Hot R&B Songs chart—Billboard’s comprehensive list of the most popular R&B tracks, which factors in sales, streaming, and radio play—and lands at No. 10 on the all-encompassing Digital Song Sales chart.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” debuts on four Billboard charts, and it leads two of them. D’Angelo posthumously earns his first champion on both the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and R&B Digital Song Sales charts as the cut launches in first place.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” Hits the Top 10
The same R&B classic also debuts on two other tallies, and it enters the top 10 everywhere it can be found. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” starts at No. 7 on the Hot R&B Songs list — Billboard’s ranking of the most consumed R&B tracks, which are compiled using a methodology that includes sales, streaming activity, and radio airplay — while also coming in at No. 10 on the all-genre Digital Song Sales chart.
“Lady” and “Brown Sugar” Becomes Bestsellers
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – JULY 16: DAngelo, vocal, performs on July 16th 2000 at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns)
Redferns
Three of D’Angelo’s singles become bestsellers in America, and they are separated from one another by a relatively small number of copies, as it seems that longtime followers and casual listeners alike flocked to this trio of tunes.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” arrives on multiple charts with 1,900 pure sales, according to Luminate. “Lady” comes in with 1,700, while “Brown Sugar” starts with just over 1,400 sales in the past tracking frame.
It’s worth noting that D’Angelo passed away on a Wednesday, which means that listeners in America only had less than two days in which to purchase these tracks and turn them into charting hits before a new tracking frame began.
D’Angelo’s Posthumous Sales Surge
D’Angelo scores four hits on both the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and R&B Digital Song Sales rankings this week. Following “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” are “Lady,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Cruisin,” which all manage to begin their time inside the top five.
D’Angelo Claims His First Top 10 Hits on Hot R&B Songs
On the Hot R&B Songs chart, D’Angelo posthumously earns his first three top 10 smashes out of five total career placements. “Lady” begins its time on the tally at No. 8, while “Brown Sugar” debuts at No. 10.
D’Angelo Reaches Billboard’s Sales Chart for the First Time
When it comes to the Digital Song Sales chart, which tracks the bestselling tunes on platforms like iTunes and Amazon, regardless of style, only “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” manages to enter the highest tier. “Lady” and “Brown Sugar” come close to the top 10 as they launch at Nos. 13 and 17, respectively. D’Angelo had never before appeared on the tally, and now claims three career wins.
Fans Push D’Angelo’s Music Back Onto the Charts
It’s likely that D’Angelo will continue to appear on multiple Billboard rankings next frame, as by then a full seven-day tracking period will have eclipsed since his death. Fans may continue to buy and stream not only his biggest songs, but also his albums, returning them to rosters — or perhaps helping them debut on several for the first time.
