“How Does It Feel” is a landmark R&B track from D’Angelo’s 2000 album Voodoo, noted for its lush production and intimate vocal performance. The song was written by D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer) and producer Raphael Saadiq, with additional writing credits associated with related compositional work from the Voodoo sessions. This verified explainer outlines the confirmed songwriting credits, the roles of key collaborators, and how producers and writers are officially recognized in contemporary R&B recordings.
Primary Songwriting Credits
On official releases and performance rights organization (PRO) registrations, “How Does It Feel” is credited to D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq. Both are listed as writers on the composition, reflecting their direct contributions to melody, lyrics, and song structure. D’Angelo contributed the vocal concept, phrasing, and key lyrical themes, while Saadiq shaped the song’s harmonic palette, groove, and production framework.
Raphael Saadiq’s Role in the Song’s Creation
Raphael Saadiq is a central architect of the Voodoo sound, serving as a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist who helped define the album’s blend of soul, funk, and quiet storm R&B. As a writer and producer of “How Does It Feel,” Saadiq shaped the track’s dynamic arrangement, from its subtle bass lines to its spacious drum programming and guitar textures. His collaborative process with D’Angelo emphasized live instrumentation and minimal overdubs, allowing vocal nuance to lead the emotional expression.
Production and Arrangement Contributions
While songwriting credits distinguish composers from producers, the production team on Voodoo included engineers and mixers who translated the song’s vision into final recordings. The production credits for “How Does It Feel” acknowledge D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, and key engineers who captured the live performance aesthetic. Their combined work ensured the track retained a human, unpolished quality consistent with the album’s emphasis on analog warmth and intimate realism.
Notable Production Team Members
- D’Angelo (vocals, songwriting, production)
- Raphael Saadiq (songwriting, production, instruments)
- Engineers and mixers who supported the tracking and final balance
Song Registration and PRO Data
To confirm authorship, publishing and performance rights databases list the exact writer names and publisher affiliations for “How Does It Feel.” These official records, maintained by PROs and music publishers, are updated when compositions are formally registered. The following table summarizes key verified attributes related to the song’s authorship and release context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Song Title | How Does It Feel | Release metadata |
| Primary Writer(s) | D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer), Raphael Saadiq | PRO and publishing records |
| Album | Voodoo | Label catalog data |
| Release Year | 2000 | Label and distributor information |
| Genre | R&B / Soul | Retail and streaming metadata |
Common Misconceptions About Song Credits
Because albums like Voodoo featured extensive session work and collaborative arrangements, listeners sometimes assume additional writers are involved. In practice, official registrations for “How Does It Feel” show only D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq as composers. Engineers and session musicians are essential to recording quality, but they do not hold songwriting rights unless their contributions involve compositional elements such as melody, lyrics, or distinct musical arrangements.
How to Verify Writing Credits
Songwriting credits can be checked through music publishing databases, liner notes on physical releases, and digital storefront metadata. Streaming platforms and digital editions often display writer information beneath the track listing. For definitive confirmation, industry sources such as ASCAP, BMI, or other regional PROs list the exact names and splits for each registered composition.
Context Within D’Angelo’s Catalog
Across his discography, D’Angelo typically participates directly in writing and production, particularly on landmark albums like Brown and Voodoo. “How Does It Feel” stands as one of his most recognizable singles, benefiting from Saadiq’s complementary style and shared creative priorities. The partnership exemplifies how focused writer-producer relationships can yield enduring songs that define an era of R&B.