The singer-songwriter’s three albums — Brown Sugar, Voodoo and Black Messiah — are revered as contemporary classics
D’Angeloa neo-soul pioneer and modern visionary whose three albums were widely acclaimed as masterful works of art, died on Tuesday. He was 51 years old. The information is from Rolling Stone.
“The shining star of our family has extinguished its light for us in this life… After a long and courageous battle with cancer, it is with a broken heart that we announce that Michael D’Angelo Archerknown to his fans around the world as D’Angelowas called home from this life today, October 14, 2025,” his family said in a statement. “We are saddened that he can only leave cherished memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music that he left behind. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time, but we invite everyone to join us in mourning his passing, while also celebrating the gift of singing he left the world.”
DJ Premier mourned the singer’s death on X, writing: “A very sad loss with the departure of D’Angelo. We had so many good times. I will miss you very much. Sleep in peace, D’. I love you, KING.”
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
D’Angelo was one of the most revered artists of the last 30 years. He began his career as a songwriter for other artists, but quickly established himself as a solo star with his debut album, Brown Sugar1995. Fundamental part of the Soulquarians — an informal collective of musicians, singers and producers that included names like Questlove, Erykah Badu, J Dilla and Q-Tip —, he was at the forefront of a movement that opened new paths for soul, R&B and hip-hop, while maintaining a deep admiration for the past.
His three solo albums — Brown Sugar, Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014) — received critical acclaim and reached the Top 10 of the chart Billboard 200with Voodoo reaching first place. His biggest hit on the Hot 100 was “Lady”, but it was “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, with its memorable long-shot clip showing D’Angelo naked while singing, which has probably become his most emblematic song.
Nominated for 14 awards Grammy throughout your career, D’Angelo won four, including twice Best R&B Albumby Voodoo and Black Messiah. He also won Best R&B Vocal Performance by “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and Best R&B Song by “Really Love”, from Black Messiah.
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Source: Rollingstone

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