" The thing with me is, about that – about rock and all that – years and years of crate-digging, listening to old music, you kind of start to connect the dots. And I was seeing the thread that was connecting everything together, which is pretty much the blues. And everything soul or funk kind of starts with that. "
- D'Angelo

In the given quote, D'Angelo discusses his insights into the evolution and interconnectedness of different music genres. He explains that through years of exploring old music collections—often referred to as "crate-digging"—he has come to recognize a common thread linking various musical styles, which is primarily rooted in the blues.

Beyond its surface meaning, D'Angelo's statement delves into the profound historical and cultural connections within African-American music. By emphasizing the influence of the blues on genres like soul and funk, he highlights how these forms of music are not isolated but rather part of a broader continuum shaped by shared musical traditions and social experiences. This insight underscores the importance of understanding the roots and development of contemporary music forms to appreciate their full significance.

D'Angelo is an American singer-songwriter known for his work in neo-soul, R&B, and funk genres. His deep connection with these musical styles stems from a passionate exploration of African-American musical heritage. Born Michael Allan Archer in 1974, D'Angelo has been influential in reviving interest in classic soul sounds while adding contemporary elements to create innovative music that resonates with fans around the world.