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| D’Angelo, shown here in a promotional image for his 2000 album “Voodoo,” was one of the defining voices of modern soul. The Grammy-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist died at 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday. (Photo: RCA Records) |
The music world is in mourning: D’Angelo, the elusive and influential neo-soul pioneer whose voice defined a generation of R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer his family and multiple media outlets confirmed on Tuesday. Reports indicate he passed away over the weekend.
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was among the architects of the modern soul revival that fused gospel roots, hip-hop sensibility, and jazz freedom.
His debut album, “Brown Sugar,” in 1995 announced a new kind of groove — live instrumentation wrapped around lyrics that were sensual, spiritual and raw.
The follow-up, “Voodoo,” in 2000 elevated him to icon status and earned two Grammys. Fourteen years later, his surprise return with “Black Messiah” turned reflection into revolution.
In recent years, D’Angelo had stepped out of the spotlight again. In May, he canceled a headlining slot at the Roots Picnic, citing complications from surgery. “I’m not 100 percent yet, but I’m working my way there,” a representative said at the time.
Tributes began flooding social media from peers and admirers who saw him as both innovator and spiritual force.
“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully D’ — Love you KING,” wrote DJ Premier on X, formerly Twitter.
“My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace,” journalist Marc Lamont Hill posted.
Producer Alchemist added simply: “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo.”
Fans filled his Instagram comments with heartbreak emojis and lyrics from “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” the 2000 single whose slow burn redefined intimacy on record and screen. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame called him “a singular voice who bridged past and future — the sound of vulnerability made holy.”
Through just three studio albums, D’Angelo reshaped the sound of R&B. With Questlove, Erykah Badu, Common and J Dilla, he helped create the Soulquarians collective that blurred lines between genres and generations.
In recent years, D’Angelo had stepped out of the spotlight again. In May, he canceled a headlining slot at the Roots Picnic, citing complications from surgery. “I’m not 100 percent yet, but I’m working my way there,” a representative said at the time.
Tributes began flooding social media from peers and admirers who saw him as both innovator and spiritual force.
“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully D’ — Love you KING,” wrote DJ Premier on X, formerly Twitter.
“My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace,” journalist Marc Lamont Hill posted.
Producer Alchemist added simply: “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo.”
Fans filled his Instagram comments with heartbreak emojis and lyrics from “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” the 2000 single whose slow burn redefined intimacy on record and screen. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame called him “a singular voice who bridged past and future — the sound of vulnerability made holy.”
Through just three studio albums, D’Angelo reshaped the sound of R&B. With Questlove, Erykah Badu, Common and J Dilla, he helped create the Soulquarians collective that blurred lines between genres and generations.
D’Angelo is survived by his two children, Michael Jr. and Imani Archer. He was previously in a longtime relationship with singer Angie Stone, who collaborated with him early in his career and shared his deep gospel and soul roots.
Their creative and romantic partnership helped shape the direction of his first album, “Brown Sugar.” Stone died in March at 63, a loss that friends said deeply affected him.
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