The Neo soul legend returns with his first studio album in almost 15 years. It features lyrical contributions from Q-Tip and Funkadelics Kendra Foster while ?uestlove of the Roots, bassist Pino Palladino and drummer James Gadson play on the album. DAngelo had this to say about the concept behind Black Messiah: Black Messiah is a hell of a name for an album. It can be easily misunderstood. Many will think its about religion. Some will jump to the conclusion that Im calling myself a Black Messiah. For me the title is about all of us. Its about the world. Its about an idea we can all aspire to. We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah. Its about people rising up in Ferguson and in Egypt and in Occupy Wall Street and everyplace where a community has had enough and decides to make change happen. Its not about praising one charismatic leader but celebrating thousands of them. Not every song on this album is politically charged (though many are) but calling this album Black Messiah creates a landscape where these songs can live to the fullest. Black Messiah is not one man. Its a feeling that, collectively, we are all that leader.