D’Angelo, the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer known for his influential role in the neo-soul genre, has died at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family.
His family expressed that he leaves behind a “legacy of extraordinarily moving music” and encouraged fans to celebrate the impact of his artistry.
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo gained fame in the 1990s with his debut album, “Brown Sugar.” The album’s single “Lady” reached No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1996, earning him multiple Grammy nominations.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo won four Grammy Awards, including two for his 2000 album “Voodoo.” He was also known for his striking music video for “Untitled (How Does it Feel),” which garnered significant media attention.
After facing personal struggles, including issues with alcoholism and a near-fatal car accident in 2005, D’Angelo made a successful return to music in 2014 with the album “Black Messiah.” The album, which addressed social issues, won the Grammy for Best R&B Album in 2016.
Tributes have poured in from the music community, including hip-hop producer DJ Premier, who expressed his sadness over D’Angelo’s passing and shared fond memories of their time together.
D’Angelo’s contributions to music, particularly in blending R&B with elements of hip-hop and jazz, have left a lasting impact on the industry and his fans.
