The world of music is mourning the loss of R&B icon D’Angelo, who died aged 51 after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday. Known for his powerful voice, soulful artistry, and pioneering influence on the neo-soul movement, D’Angelo leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the landscape of modern R&B.
In a statement, his family described him as “the shining star of our family” and urged fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was raised in a deeply musical environment as the son of a Pentecostal minister. A self-taught pianist from the age of three, he began performing locally in his teens before winning the Apollo Theater’s amateur talent competition three weeks in a row at 18 — a feat that launched his career and led to a publishing deal with EMI.
D’Angelo’s 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, brought him to international prominence, blending classic soul with contemporary rhythm and blues. The album’s single Lady reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996, earning multiple Grammy nominations and establishing him as one of the leading voices of a new generation of R&B artists.
His second album, Voodoo (2000), cemented his reputation as a visionary in the genre. It won two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, and featured the now-iconic single Untitled (How Does It Feel) — whose minimalist music video, featuring a single-take performance, remains one of the most memorable visuals in modern music history.
Though his career was marked by artistic triumphs, D’Angelo also faced personal struggles, including alcoholism and a near-fatal car crash in 2005. After years away from the spotlight, he made a triumphant return with Black Messiah in 2014, an album inspired by social and racial unrest in the United States. The record was hailed as a masterpiece and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2016.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Hip-hop producer DJ Premier, who collaborated with D’Angelo on the track Devil’s Pie, wrote: “Such a sad loss. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully D’. Love you, KING.”
Fellow artists including Tyler, the Creator and Flavor Flav also honoured him on social media, with Flavor Flav calling D’Angelo “an icon whose music will live forever.”
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Voodoo 28th on its list of the greatest albums of all time, one place above The Beatles’ White Album, underscoring his enduring influence on music.
At the time of his passing, D’Angelo had reportedly been working on a fourth studio album with producer Raphael Saadiq. His family and fans remember him not just for his artistry, but for his authenticity, creativity, and deep emotional connection to his craft — qualities that defined an era of soul music and continue to inspire generations.
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