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Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Nile Rodgers and more remember “the pioneer of neo-soul” D’Angelo

todayOctober 14, 2025 13

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A plethora of musicians and artists have paid tribute to neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo, who has died.

D’Angelo, aged 51, died yesterday (October 14) after a prolonged private battle with pancreatic cancer.

In a statement to Variety, his family confirmed the news. They said: “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life… After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.

“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.  We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

Following the tragic news, several major names in the music industry have paid their respects to the ‘Brown Sugar’ musician. Beyoncé wrote on her website, hailing D’Angelo as “the pioneer of neo-soul”: “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.”

Chic icon Nile Rodgers wrote on X, recalling how they first met: “My friend Gary Harris brought this musician named D’Angelo over to my NYC apt. He was trying to figure out what to do with the music he’d brought with him. I listened to every cut… not just out of respect but because it was smoking.”

“At the end of the encounter he asked me, ‘What should I do with it?’ I remember this as if it were yesterday. I said, ‘Put it out. It’s perfect!’ Being the #artist he is, I guess he had to explore some ways to make it better. About a year later I heard one of those songs on the radio. It was #genius and it was exactly what he had played for me. I know… I still have the original cassette.”

Lauryn Hill wrote in a lengthy and reflective post: “I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God. You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and event intimidated others to action with your genius.”

“You imagined a unity of strength and sensitivity in Black manhood to a generation that only saw itself as having to be one or the other.”

Jamie Foxx wrote: “I remember hearing your music for the first time… I said to myself damn whoever this is they are anointed… Then when I finally got a chance to see you… Like everyone when they saw the most incredible music video of our time… I was blown away… I thought to myself I have to see this person in concert… I had my chance to see you at the house of blues… You came out and got right down to business… Your voice was silky and flawless… I was graciously envious of your style and your swag… I was also in pure awe of your talents…. roaming around on each instrument, displaying your expertise in every note and every song”

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea wrote on Instagram: “One of my all time favorites whose records I went to again and again. Noone did anything funkier over the last 30 years. I never knew him but humbled myself before his music. What a rare and beautiful voice and an inimitable approach to songwriting. What a musician!!!”

While Tyler, The Creator had already shared a picture of D’Angelo online shortly after the news of the musician’s passing, he’s since shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram. In it, Tyler wrote: “on my 9th birthday, march 6 2000, i landed at Sam Goody at the south bay galleria. i had $20 in birthday money and my eyes set on leaving with one thing. ‘VOODOO’ by D’Angelo… 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. my musical dna was helped shaped by this man. forever grateful. safe travels”

D’Angelo was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1974, and became interested in music as a child. He spent his teenage years playing in groups before signing to EMI in 1993 and wrote the song ‘U Will Know’ for the group Black Men United.

He came to prominence in 1995 when he released his debut album ‘Brown Sugar’, which was certified platinum in the US. His next album, 2000’s ‘Voodoo’, was acclaimed by critics and hit Number One, and saw him win his first two Grammy Awards. He then released his third album, ‘Black Messiah’, in 2014.

In May, he cancelled his appearance at the Roots Picnic Festival in Philadelphia due to what he described as an “unforeseen medical delay” following surgery he had earlier in the year.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children, sons Michael and Morocco and daughter Imani. His ex-girlfriend, and Michael’s mother, soul singer Angie Stone, died in a car crash in March aged 63.

Check out more tributes below.

My condolences go out to the family of D’Angelo 🙏🏾 #dangelo #RIP

Posted by Martin Lawrence on Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The post Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Nile Rodgers and more remember “the pioneer of neo-soul” D’Angelo appeared first on NME.

Written by: Brady Donovan

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