D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer widely regarded as a pioneer of neo-soul, has passed away at the age of 51.
Born Michael D’Angelo Archer, the artist died on Tuesday following a private battle with cancer, his family confirmed in a statement. Known for keeping his personal life out of the public eye, D’Angelo reportedly chose to face his illness quietly, surrounded by close loved ones.
D’Angelo rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his groundbreaking debut album Brown Sugar, followed by the critically acclaimed Voodoo in 2000, which helped redefine the sound of contemporary R&B. With his soulful voice, raw musicianship, and deep-rooted connection to Black musical tradition, D’Angelo became a symbol of artistic integrity and emotional depth in modern music.
Photo: Michael Buckner / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Often dubbed the “King of Neo-Soul,” D’Angelo collaborated with icons like Questlove, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Raphael Saadiq. His influence continues to shape the genre today.
Rest In Peace legend D'Angelo. Prayers up for family and friends touched by this loss in the culture.
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