Music world mourns D'Angelo, award-winning R&B artist and Richmond native: 'A true original'

RICHMOND, Va. — Musicians, artists, and other public figures across the country and the world are mourning the loss of Grammy award-winning R&B artist D'Angelo, remembering him as a "visionary" and "true original."

D'Angelo, a Richmond native known outside the public eye as Michael Archer, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer Tuesday, according to a statement from the family.

The statement called him “a shining star of our family and has dimmed his light for us in this life,” adding that they are “eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”

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D’Angelo, a Grammy-winning R&B singer from Richmond, dies

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Friends, peers, and fans alike have been taking to social media to share their memories and condolences.

"A visionary behind classics like Brown Sugar and Voodoo, his sound shaped a generation and spoke to the soul of Black America," civil rights attorney Ben Crump wrote on X. "His impact will live on forever. Rest in power, King."

Jennifer Hudson wrote on X, "We lost a true original today."

Missy Elliott called for prayers for D'Angelo's son, who also lost his mother, Angie Stone, earlier this year.

Musician and producer Nile Rodgers remembered a time D'Angelo played demos for him, which Rodgers called "perfect."

Miguel

"Who didn’t want to be D’Angelo? You know what I mean? It’s like, who of us didn’t wanna be D'Angelo? His choices, the musicality, the songwriting, the feeling, the emotion in his music...

It was like he came out of nowhere in terms of his sound and yet it was still familiar. And it’s really rare, you know, he was a one of one artist. And 51 is way, way too soon. I never saw coming. I was looking forward to the next. “Black Messiah”— the work, the musicianship, the dedication to the sound, they rehearsed that album for months upon months before even recording it, is my understanding. ... Every one of his albums for me, they’re all classic albums." — the alternative R&B singer Miguel, in an interview with The Associated Press

Maxwell

“because u were , we are all because.” — the Grammy-Award winning R&B singer said on Instagram.

Jill Scott

“I told you a long time ago — You ain’t gon understand everything & everything ain’t meant 4 U, nor I, to understand. I never met D’Angelo but I love him, respect him, admire his gift. This loss HURTS!! Love to my family that are family to him. I’m so sorry. R.I.P. GENIUS.” — on X.

Kelly Rowland

“This one hurts, DEEP! The way this man, poured himself in the music! The stories I’ve heard of his brilliant process…….im just speechless…… He TRULY IS 1 of 1. Simply gutted by this loss! May God Bless D’Angelo’s family and loved Ones. We lost a GIANT.” — the singer, actor and former member of Destiny's Child, on Instagram.

Flea

“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!!! He changed the course of popular music. Fly free with the angels D’angelo, we will listen to you forever and always be moved. I drop to my knees and pray.” — the co-founder and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers said on Instagram.

Tyler, the Creator

"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 couldnt understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius. thats how special he was. a savant. a true alien.

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." — the rapper, on Instagram.

Bootsy Collins

“Danggit! Say it ain’t so, but we just lost a friend, a creator & legend, D’Angelo! Prayer’s going out to his family & friends! We all lolve u lil-brother. R.I.P...” — the bassist, singer, and songwriter known for his work with James Brown and as a member of the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, on X.

Doja Cat

“Rest in peace D’angelo. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to his family and friends. A true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come.” — the singer, rapper and pop performer, on X.

Rosie Perez

“Omg! This is so sad! I knew he was fighting for some time too. But man, this is so sad. At great artist-Gone too soon. My sympathies to his loved ones and family. #RIP D’Angelo” — the actor, on X.

DJ Premier

“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’. Love You KING.” — the legendary DJ and hip-hop producer, on X.

Bartees Strange

"I can’t think of a musician other than Prince that I revere more. He is one of the great players and bandleaders. I was always inspired by the fact that he also struggled. And we all knew that. We don’t get artists like this often. He really touched my life, and I was sure one day I’d get to see him play. I can’t believe he died so young. I’m very sad. I love that he grew into something new from his past life. — the acclaimed indie musician said on Instagram.

9th Wonder

"I am sitting in this airport, in tears. The greatest soul musician, of a generation. Is gone. Michael Archer, I love you, man…. Rest in Power to The Great. D’Angelo…. I am broken….." — the record producer, on Instagram.

Bryan Michael Cox

“We lost a GIANT today. The last time I shed tears for an artist when they transitioned was Prince… I shed some today. Rest In Eternal Power, Michael D’Angelo Archer.” — the R&B songwriter, on Instagram.

Beyond his own catalog, D’Angelo’s artistry shined in collaborations.

He memorably duetted with Lauryn Hill on the soulful ballad “Nothing Even Matters,” a highlight of her landmark 1998 album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”

He also contributed to The Roots’ 1996 album “Illadelph Halflife” and was part of the supergroup Black Men United, which yielded one song: “U Will Know,” which D’Angelo wrote and co-produced, for the film “Jason’s Lyric” in 1994.

“I remember hearing your music for the first time… I said to myself damn whoever this is they are anointed,” Jamie Foxx said on social media. “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…”

Years before stepping back from public view, D'Angelo's life and music were closely intertwined with Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone in the ’90s.

The pair met while he was finishing “Brown Sugar” and bonded over their shared Southern roots and deep church upbringing.

Stone contributed to the album and later collaborated with him on “Everyday,” a song from her 1999 debut album, “Black Diamond.”

Stone once described D’Angelo as her “musical soul mate,” to the AP in 1999, adding that their working relationship was “’like milk and cereal …. Musically, it was magic. It’s something that I have not been able to do with any other producer or musician.” They had a son together, the artist Swayvo Twain, born Michael Archer Jr.

Stone died earlier this year in a car crash. She was 63.

D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer, who is also a music artist.

In May, D’Angelo withdrew from being a headliner for the 2025 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia due to “an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery (he) had earlier this year,” the artists shared in a statement. D’Angelo said he was advised the performance “could further complicate matters.”

Beyond his biggest singles, D’Angelo’s catalog includes fan favorites like “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine,” “Cruisin’” and “Devil’s Pie.” His influence stretched far beyond the charts: he inspired a wave of artists including Maxwell, Alicia Keys and Frank Ocean.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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