R&B icon D’Angelo has died on the age of 51 following a personal battle with pancreatic most cancers, a supply confirmed to PEOPLE. TMZ first reported the information on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
His household wrote in an announcement to Selection: “The shining star of our household has dimmed his mild for us on this life…After a chronic and brave battle with most cancers, we’re heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, identified to his followers around the globe as D’Angelo, has been referred to as dwelling, departing this life in the present day, October 14th, 2025. We’re saddened that he can solely go away pricey reminiscences together with his household, however we’re eternally grateful for the legacy of terribly shifting music he leaves behind. We ask that you simply respect our privateness throughout this tough time however invite you all be part of us in mourning his passing whereas additionally celebrating the present of tune that he has left for the world.”
DJ Premier, who labored with D’Angelo on the 1998 traditional “Satan’s Pie,” confirmed the heartbreaking information on X, writing, “Such a tragic loss to the passing of D’Angelo. Now we have so many nice occasions. Gonna miss you a lot. Sleep peacefully D’. Love you KING.”
Michael Eugene Archer, identified professionally as D’Angelo, was a Grammy-winning American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and file producer who was a foundational determine within the neo-soul motion of the Nineteen Nineties. Born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 11, 1974, the son of a Pentecostal preacher, he was a self-taught piano prodigy with robust gospel roots.
D’Angelo first gained nationwide consideration together with his critically acclaimed 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, which revitalized traditional R&B sounds and blended them with hip-hop influences. The album yielded the hit singles “Brown Sugar” and “Girl” and was credited with ushering within the neo-soul period.
His much-anticipated follow-up, 2000’s Voodoo, debuted at primary on the Billboard 200 and gained the Grammy Award for Greatest R&B Album. Its lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Really feel),” earned him the Grammy for Greatest Male R&B Vocal Efficiency, however the tune’s iconic video additionally cemented his reluctant standing as a intercourse image.
Following Voodoo and a subsequent tour, D’Angelo entered a prolonged hiatus, enduring private struggles. He broke his 14-year silence together with his third studio album, Black Messiah, launched in 2014, together with his band The Vanguard. The album was met with widespread crucial acclaim and earned him one other Grammy for Greatest R&B Album, reaffirming his standing as a visionary artist.
