D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and Grammy-Winning Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the iconic R&B singer whose velvety rasp and shirtless music video once stopped time, has passed away at 51 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Virginia, D’Angelo was more than just a singer—he was a seismic cultural force. With his 1995 debut “Brown Sugar”, he didn’t just step into the R&B world—he reshaped it. His sound, a rich mix of gospel, hip-hop, and soul, helped usher in the neo-soul revolution of the late ’90s, with hits like “Lady” and the title track earning him instant acclaim and Grammy nominations.
Then came “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”—a song and music video that sent ripples through pop culture. Stripped to the waist and framed by a single camera shot, D’Angelo exuded raw emotion and sensuality. The track won him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and pushed his sophomore album “Voodoo” to the top of the Billboard 200.
But D’Angelo’s influence extended well beyond his own catalog. His voice and spirit were woven into collaborations with Lauryn Hill (“Nothing Even Matters”), The Roots, and the one-off supergroup Black Men United. He was often hailed as a “musical soul mate” by his former partner and fellow artist Angie Stone, with whom he shared a son. Tragically, Stone died in a car crash earlier this year.
His absence from the spotlight was as notable as his presence. After “Voodoo”, he receded from public life for more than a decade, only to return with the politically charged “Black Messiah” in 2014. Released amid rising racial tensions and protests, the album once again cemented his status as a generational voice.
D’Angelo was slated to headline the 2025 Roots Picnic but withdrew due to health complications from surgery earlier in the year. That would be his final public artistic gesture.
Tributes have poured in. Jamie Foxx wrote, “I was graciously envious of your style and your swag.” Maxwell, Jill Scott, and others echoed that sentiment.
He is survived by his two children, Swayvo Twain and Imani Archer, both of whom are pursuing music. His death marks the end of an era—but his voice, artistry, and influence will remain immortal.