D’Angelo, the legendary soul and R&B musician, has passed away at the age of 51.
The singer (real name Michael Eugene Archer) died on Tuesday (October 14) following a private battle with pancreatic cancer, according to TMZ.
UPDATE: D’Angelo’s family have released the following statement:
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life… After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the celebrated crooner, with DJ Premier writing on X (formerly Twitter): “@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.”
Journalist and cultural critic Marc Lamont Hill added: “My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace.”
The Alchemist also wrote: “Man. Rest in peace D’ Angelo,” while Tyler, The Creator paid tribute by simply posting a picture of the late singer.
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 🫡🤍🕊️🙏🏾
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 14, 2025
My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) October 14, 2025
Man. Rest in peace D’ Angelo. 🕊️
— Alchemist Type Beat (@Alchemist) October 14, 2025
pic.twitter.com/PXzwxp7DbN
— T (@tylerthecreator) October 14, 2025
Born in Richmond, Virginia on February 11, 1974, D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid 1990s with his debut album Brown Sugar, which spawned the hits “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” and “Brown Sugar.”
The project was both a critical and commercial success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album as well as a platinum plaque from the RIAA (Recording Industry Assocation of America).
D’Angelo’s magnum opus came five years later with Voodoo, a chart-topping masterpiece that remains the crown jewel of the “Soulquarians” era — the so-called neo-soul movement that he spearheaded in the late ’90s and early ’00s alongside Questlove, J Dilla, Erykah Badu and Common.
The iconic album would prove to be a gift and a curse for D’Angelo, though, who largely retreated from the spotlight after his sultry “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)” music video earned him unwanted sex symbol status.
The singer and producer eventually returned 14 years later with Black Messiah, another career-defining effort that notched him two Grammys for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song (“Really Love”).
Away from music, D’Angelo welcomed three children, including a son with fellow R&B singer Angie Stone whom he dated in the 1990s. Stone was tragically killed in a car accident aged 63 earlier this year.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to D’Angelo’s family, friends and fans.
