The music world is still reeling with the report that legendary R&B and neo-soul vocalist D’Angelo passed on at the age of 51.
Commentator and reporter Marc Lamont Hill was one of the first to break the sad news Tuesday morning on X (formerly Twitter): “My sources confirm that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words.. May he rest in perfect peace.”
Details about why death ensued at the time of going to press remained unrevealed.
An Irreplaceable Voice in Music
D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, made superstar status in the mid-1990s with his groundbreaking debut Brown Sugar. With his velvety baritone voice, erotic songwriting sensibility, and gift for reinterpreting the modern era’s sound of soul music, he was one of the decade’s transcendent artists. His second album, Voodoo, cemented his reputation with critical acclaim and the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2001.
Though he had long lapses between album releases, his music never aged. In 2014, he surprised fans with his comeback effort Black Messiah, the aforementioned classic with clear political undertones proving that his art is modern.
Stars Remember D’Angelo
Other tributes began to roll in on socials within hours of the news breaking. Hip-hop legend DJ Premier reflected on X with the following messages: “Such a sad loss to the death of D’Angelo. There’s so many great moments. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully D’. Love you KING.”
His producer The Alchemist also did and tweeted: “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo.” Now the word is out, fans and celebrities remember him not only as the pioneer of music that he was but also the cultural icon who re-introduced the funk, the soul, and the honesty back into the pop scene.
A Legacy That Will Endure Forever
D’Angelo’s impact extends well beyond his three studio albums. His sound informs the neo-soul movement with artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell and inspires a generation of artists to merge gospel, funk, hip-hop, and soul into something raw and spiritual.
Until the world learns more about the circumstances of his passing, we do know this much: the heritage of D’Angelo will exist in the records which continue to heal, seduce, and inspire.
It’s an evolving story.
