- D’Angelo, known for “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” died after battling pancreatic cancer.
- The Grammy-winning R&B star was praised for redefining neo-soul with his albums “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo.”
- Tributes poured in from music legends including DJ Premier, Tyler the Creator, and The Alchemist.
- D’Angelo’s soulful artistry influenced a generation, earning him global recognition and lasting legacy.
World-renowned soul musician D’Angelo has passed away at the age of 51 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed in a statement.
The Grammy-winning R&B icon, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, was celebrated for his timeless hits and his role in shaping the neo-soul movement.
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The family’s statement, released to Variety, described him as “the shining star of our family” whose light “has dimmed in this life.” D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his critically acclaimed debut album Brown Sugar (1995), which introduced a new wave of soulful, funk-inspired R&B.
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His second studio album, Voodoo (2000), cemented his legacy, earning him two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the hit single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”. The song’s provocative video became a pop culture phenomenon, though D’Angelo later admitted to struggling with the fame it brought.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo was known for his rich blend of funk, gospel, jazz, and soul, as well as his perfectionist approach to music production. He favored analog recording and lengthy jam sessions, which gave his work a distinctive, organic sound.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Legendary producer DJ Premier, who collaborated with D’Angelo on “Devil’s Pie” in 1998, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully, D’. Love you KING.”
Other tributes came from Tyler the Creator, who posted a black-and-white photo of the late artist, and The Alchemist, who simply wrote, “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo.”
Music outlets including People Magazine, TMZ, and Pitchfork confirmed the news, with Pitchfork crediting him for helping to “define the neo-soul movement.”
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Born in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was known for his reclusive lifestyle and perfectionist tendencies, often taking long breaks between projects. Despite his limited discography, his influence on R&B and Black music remains undeniable.
In 2016, D’Angelo was featured on a playlist curated by former US President Barack Obama, alongside icons like Janet Jackson and Janelle Monáe, a testament to his enduring impact on American music.
The world mourns the loss of a true visionary whose sound reshaped the landscape of R&B and soul forgenerations to come.
