Tributes Pour In for D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer, Dead at 51

The music world mourns the loss of renowned R&B and neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo, who passed away at the age of 51 following a prolonged battle with cancer. Known for his profound influence on music, D’Angelo, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a body of work that reshaped the landscape of contemporary rhythm and blues.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans and urged them to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.” D’Angelo gained prominence with his debut album, ‘Brown Sugar’, released in 1995, which featured the hit single ‘Lady’. His subsequent albums, ‘Voodoo’ in 2000 and ‘Black Messiah’ in 2014, solidified his status as one of the most gifted musicians of his generation. The latter was particularly acclaimed, being hailed as one of the best records of its release year and winning him a total of four Grammy Awards.

A Legacy of Music and Innovation

D’Angelo was a key figure in the emergence of neo-soul, a genre that blends R&B with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and funk. His unique sound and emotional depth set a standard that many artists have aspired to reach. The music community has reacted strongly to his passing, with many prominent figures sharing their tributes.

Beyoncé took to her website to pay homage, stating, “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry. You were the pioneer of neo-soul, and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.” Meanwhile, Lauryn Hill reflected on their connection, expressing her regret at not having more time with him. She described D’Angelo as possessing “undeniable beauty and talent” and praised his ability to articulate complex aspects of Black manhood.

Tyler, The Creator shared a personal memory of buying D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’ album on his ninth birthday, emphasizing how deeply the artist impacted his musical journey. “I am so lucky to have gotten my copy of ‘Voodoo’ when I did. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art,” he wrote.

Industry Reactions and Personal Memories

Flea, co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, expressed his admiration, stating, “No one did anything funkier over the last 30 years. What a rare and beautiful voice and an inimitable approach to songwriting.” His sentiments echoed the feelings of many who viewed D’Angelo as a transformative force in music.

Actor and musician Jamie Foxx shared his emotional experience of seeing D’Angelo perform live, recalling the impact of his silky voice and distinctive style. “Today, real tears run down my face… to hear the news that God has taken one of his special creations home… this one hurts like hell,” he lamented.

Bartees Strange reflected on D’Angelo’s legacy, comparing him to the legendary Prince and highlighting the profound influence he had on his own life. The lead MC of The Roots, Black Thought, described D’Angelo as a brother and a genius whose light changed music.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children: Michael, Morocco, and Imani. His passing comes just months after the tragic death of his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his son, soul singer Angie Stone, who died in a car accident in March 2025 at the age of 63.

As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that D’Angelo’s impact on music and culture will resonate for generations to come. His artistry and the emotional depth of his work have left an indelible mark, ensuring that he will be remembered as one of the greats in the music industry.