Especially on Black Messiah. As stated, I like the album. I don't think all derivative
work is bad work. 1000 jacks the shit outta Sly & The Fam (possibly my fave group of
all time), and I still like it.
I'm also not saying D'angelo hasn't EVER created a sound, but Bilal is very daring
and courageous with the stuff he does... which causes people to have to acquaint themselves
with his sound.
No way you can tell me "Charade", "Prayer", "Untitled", or even "When We Get By"
sound completely new. These are familiar styles if not outright copies of other artists.