Grammy-winning R&B singer D'Angelo, known for his distinctive raspy yet smooth voice and pioneering neo-soul, has died at 51 after a battle with cancer. His family confirmed the passing, celebrating his extraordinary musical legacy.
Michael Eugene Archer, globally recognized as the Grammy-winning R&B singer D’Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His family announced his death, expressing gratitude for the 'extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind' and mourning the dimming of their 'shining star'. D’Angelo’s unique sound, a fusion of hip-hop grit, emphatic soul, and gospel-rooted emotion, was instrumental in spearheading the neo-soul movement of the 1990s. His 1995 debut album, “Brown Sugar,” achieved platinum status and produced signature hits like “Lady” and the title track, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and establishing him as an original R&B voice. His sultry vocal style, characterized by a mix of raspy texture and church-bred fluidity, set him apart. The iconic, shirtless music video for his 2000 single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions on artistry and Black male representation, and earning him a Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance. His sophomore album, “Voodoo,” topped the Billboard 200 chart and secured a Grammy for best R&B album. Beyond his solo work, D’Angelo collaborated memorably with artists like Lauryn Hill on “Nothing Even Matters” and contributed to The Roots’ “Illadelph Halflife.” He was also part of the supergroup Black Men United, co-producing and writing their single “U Will Know.” He shared a significant musical and personal bond with Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, with whom he had a son, artist Swayvo Twain. Stone, who passed away earlier this year, once described him as her 'musical soul mate'. D'Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer, who is a music artist. Following “Voodoo,” D’Angelo retreated from the public eye for over a decade. His highly anticipated return in 2014 with “Black Messiah,” credited to D’Angelo and The Vanguard, was a politically charged album that resonated amid nationwide protests and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. It debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, earning him another Grammy for best R&B album, while its single “Really Love” received a Grammy for best R&B song. Earlier this year, D’Angelo withdrew from the 2025 Roots Picnic due to an unforeseen medical delay related to surgery. His extensive catalog includes fan favorites such as “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” and “Devil’s Pie.” D’Angelo's profound influence extended beyond chart success, inspiring a generation of artists including Maxwell, Alicia Keys, and Frank Ocean.
