»Ain't That Easy«. Perceptions of Conflict in the Music of D'Angelo and The Vanguard

Abstract

The article examines the song »Ain't That Easy« from D'Angelo's 2014 album Black Messiah, analyzing its connections to the socio-political climate surrounding its release and exploring the underlying themes of conflict in the music. Released amid national protests and social unrest originating from incidents of police violence against African Americans, the album serves as a protest against systemic injustice. The authors employ various analytical lenses to investigate the song's stylistic elements, production techniques, and lyrical content. They articulate that »Ain't That Easy« incorporates diverse musical genres, combining rock, funk, and soul while evoking historical references to artists like Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye, who symbolize black political and artistic resistance. The text highlights the song's complexity by discussing its conflicting vocal layers, micro-rhythmic intricacies, and lyrical ambiguity. By positioning conflict as both a thematic and analytical entry point, the researchers demonstrate how personal and communal struggles can be expressed and understood within music. Their collaborative analysis reveals differing perceptions and interpretations of the track, ultimately emphasizing its diverse meanings for listeners.