- “The shining star of our family has dimmed its light for us in this life
- Grammy winner Missy Elliott paid tribute to the late artist
- He rose to fame in the 1990s with his debut album
R&B and soul singer D’Angelo, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, died Tuesday at age 51 after a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” his family announced.
Eko Hot Blog reports his family expressed heartbreak, stating, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” and asked fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
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D’Angelo, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and musician, played a critical role in popularizing neo-soul, blending R&B and soul with influences like hip-hop, funk, and jazz alongside contemporaries like Erykah Badu and Maxwell.
He rose to fame in the 1990s with his debut album, Brown Sugar, which featured the hit single “Lady.” His second album, the critically acclaimed Voodoo (2000), debuted at No. 1 and won the Grammy for Best R&B Album.
The album’s lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” secured the Grammy for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, gaining heavy rotation for its iconic music video.
His final studio album, Black Messiah (2014), also won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. Grammy winner Missy Elliott paid tribute to the late artist, sending prayers to his son, Swayvo Twain, who tragically lost his mother, singer Angie Stone, earlier this year.
D’Angelo’s label, RCA, praised him as a “peerless visionary” whose music will continue to inspire generations.
