D'Angelo: Road to the BET Awards 2012

D'Angelo: Next stop 2012 BET Awards Stage!

D'Angelo: February 11 - The often-shirtless neo soul singer turns 38.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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D'Angelo: Road to the BET Awards - From the moment D’Angelo appeared on the music scene with his 1995 hit “Lady” off his debut LP, Brown Sugar, R&B fans began fiending for a music fix from the seemingly shy yet handsome singer. But after only two albums, the last of which was 2000’s Vodoo, D’Angelo had us all a little worried. Not only was he facing legal woes and battling addictions, he was also avoiding recording new music. Luckily the last year has given us hope that D’Angelo’s decade-long hiatus is over. From live shows, new music, upcoming summer concert dates and rumors of a new album, this is destined to be a great year as the soul man's road to redemption has brought him to the BET Awards '12. Check out what else the soul singer has been up to. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

November 19, 2011: On the Road Again - This past November the Internet was flooded with excited reports announcing D’Angelo’s European mini-tour. The tour was to kick off in Sweeden and hit Stockholm, Copenhagen, Paris and Amsterdam, though many wondered whether or not the musician would show. That didn't stop other folks from hopping flights just to get a peek of what D'Angelo had been up to after all these years.  (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

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November 19, 2011: On the Road Again - This past November the Internet was flooded with excited reports announcing D’Angelo’s European mini-tour. The tour was to kick off in Sweeden and hit Stockholm, Copenhagen, Paris and Amsterdam, though many wondered whether or not the musician would show. That didn't stop other folks from hopping flights just to get a peek of what D'Angelo had been up to after all these years.  (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

December 1, 2012: The Offering - In December, Questlove, drummer and public voice of the legendary Roots Crew, told Pitchfork.com that D’Angelo’s latest offering was ready. The album, titled James River, was said to be “pretty much 97 percent done,” according to Quest.  “He's just finishing his lyrics now. He needs somebody to smack him and take the record away from him because it's pretty much finished.... For all intents and purposes, this album is the black version of [The Beach Boys'] Smile — at best, it will go down in the Smile/There's a Riot Goin' On/Miles Davis' On the Corner category. That's what I'm hoping for.” That’s a pretty big hope. (Photo: Courtesy MTV)

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December 1, 2012: The Offering - In December, Questlove, drummer and public voice of the legendary Roots Crew, told Pitchfork.com that D’Angelo’s latest offering was ready. The album, titled James River, was said to be “pretty much 97 percent done,” according to Quest.  “He's just finishing his lyrics now. He needs somebody to smack him and take the record away from him because it's pretty much finished.... For all intents and purposes, this album is the black version of [The Beach Boys'] Smile — at best, it will go down in the Smile/There's a Riot Goin' On/Miles Davis' On the Corner category. That's what I'm hoping for.” That’s a pretty big hope. (Photo: Courtesy MTV)

January 26, 2012: Have You Seen Him? - Veteran tour manager Tina Farris, who has worked with everyone from Lil Wayne to Nicki Minaj to Will.i.am and Fergie, writes a tour diary on how her time will be spent while working for D’Angleo on his European tour for Okay Player. Day One — it was the day that changed everything. First of all, Farris writes:He Got on the Plane.Praise Jesus.  The knot in my stomach is slowly unraveling.  I know once he gets on stage…once he finally makes it on the stage…he’s gonna remember why he loved it all in the first place.  Since day one at rehearsals, I’ve been hoping, praying for a spot on this tour.  Oh, sure. I’ve done the Peas, Nicki, Wayne….all for much more money, ‘tis true…but nothing has moved my soul quite like this 12-year sabbatical and any possible return? I wanted a part of the action. (Photo: AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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January 26, 2012: Have You Seen Him? - Veteran tour manager Tina Farris, who has worked with everyone from Lil Wayne to Nicki Minaj to Will.i.am and Fergie, writes a tour diary on how her time will be spent while working for D’Angleo on his European tour for Okay Player. Day One — it was the day that changed everything. First of all, Farris writes:He Got on the Plane.Praise Jesus.  The knot in my stomach is slowly unraveling.  I know once he gets on stage…once he finally makes it on the stage…he’s gonna remember why he loved it all in the first place.  Since day one at rehearsals, I’ve been hoping, praying for a spot on this tour.  Oh, sure. I’ve done the Peas, Nicki, Wayne….all for much more money, ‘tis true…but nothing has moved my soul quite like this 12-year sabbatical and any possible return? I wanted a part of the action. (Photo: AP Photo/Dave Martin)

D'Angelo: February 11 - The sexy singer, born Michael Eugene Archer, celebrates his 40th birthday.   (Photo: Nick Pickles/WireImage)

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January 3, 2012: A Garden of Sound - D’Angelo fans got even more music to their ears in the form of an 8-year-old, previously unreleased track,"Black Hole Sun."  The rough rendition of Soundgarden’s 1994 hit of the same name surfaced online lulling legions of fans into a state of soul bliss. Folks are still waiting to find out whether or not the cut will be featured on D’Angelo’s upcoming album.  (Photo: Nick Pickles/WireImage)

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May 21, 2012: Up Close and Personal - The June 2012 issue of GQ hit newsstands in late May and included a lovely surprise for readers and fans alike, a chance to get the real story about a musical genius gone wrong and come back. In addition to images of the cleaned-up, handsome crooner, D’Angelo talks about his discomfort with being a sex symbol and how the “Untitled (How Does It Feel ?)” video, directed by Paul Hunter, had everyone swooning, yet pushed him into seclusion. He even discusses the personal impact of the loss of his friend and music producer J. Dilla and his reccuring dreams of Marvin Gaye. The piece is an in-depth look a the singer we’ve all been waiting and rooting for. (Photo: Courtesy GQ Magazine)

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May 21, 2012: Up Close and Personal - The June 2012 issue of GQ hit newsstands in late May and included a lovely surprise for readers and fans alike, a chance to get the real story about a musical genius gone wrong and come back. In addition to images of the cleaned-up, handsome crooner, D’Angelo talks about his discomfort with being a sex symbol and how the “Untitled (How Does It Feel ?)” video, directed by Paul Hunter, had everyone swooning, yet pushed him into seclusion. He even discusses the personal impact of the loss of his friend and music producer J. Dilla and his reccuring dreams of Marvin Gaye. The piece is an in-depth look a the singer we’ve all been waiting and rooting for. (Photo: Courtesy GQ Magazine)

January 26, 2012: First Time in a Long Time -  D’Angelo’s first performance in Sweden opens to rave reviews. The R&B crooner hit the stage conducting a live band, performing tracks from his previous albums and even new tracks like "Sugar Daddy." The upbeat, funky single is a little reminiscent of Prince during the Sign O’ the Times era mixed with a hint of organ and lots of soul. Die-hards, know that D also laced the crowd with an 11-minute rendition of “Devil’s Pie/Chicken Grease.” (Photo: Courtesy latimes.com)

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January 26, 2012: First Time in a Long Time - D’Angelo’s first performance in Sweden opens to rave reviews. The R&B crooner hit the stage conducting a live band, performing tracks from his previous albums and even new tracks like "Sugar Daddy." The upbeat, funky single is a little reminiscent of Prince during the Sign O’ the Times era mixed with a hint of organ and lots of soul. Die-hards, know that D also laced the crowd with an 11-minute rendition of “Devil’s Pie/Chicken Grease.” (Photo: Courtesy latimes.com)

June 10, 2012: Surprise Homecoming - Just this month, D’Angelo warmed up for his U.S. tour with first stateside performance in over a decade at the music fest, Bonnarroo. Musically directed by Questlove, an awesome collection of Questo’s friends played alongside D’Angelo including, Time guitarist Jesse Johnson and Pino Palladino, bassist for the Who.  This time, he didn’t perform any of his signature hits but he did perform some classics like Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" and the Beatles' "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window." (Photo: AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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June 10, 2012: Surprise Homecoming - Just this month, D’Angelo warmed up for his U.S. tour with first stateside performance in over a decade at the music fest, Bonnarroo. Musically directed by Questlove, an awesome collection of Questo’s friends played alongside D’Angelo including, Time guitarist Jesse Johnson and Pino Palladino, bassist for the Who.  This time, he didn’t perform any of his signature hits but he did perform some classics like Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" and the Beatles' "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window." (Photo: AP Photo/Dave Martin)