The R&B community and several figures across the music industry have penned colorful tributes dedicated to neo-soul legend D’Angelo. The 51 year-old died Tuesday morning of cancer, the singer’s family confirmed in a statement to Variety.
D’Angelo released three albums throughout his career including his debut “Brown Sugar,” “Voodoo” and his last album, 2014’s “Black Messiah” with the Vanguard. He became well-known for crafting a blend of R&B and hip-hop and went on to win four Grammy Awards.
Disney+ Sets Date for Hulu to Replace Star as Its Global Entertainment Brand, Is Adding New Integrated Features Ahead of Hulu App Phaseout
‘Mid-Century Modern’ Canceled After One Season at Hulu
DJ Premier was amongst the first voices on social media to share his condolences. He called the pioneer’s death “such a sad loss,” adding they had “many great times” together. “Gonna miss you so much,” concluded Premier. “Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”
Lauryn Hill, who duetted with D’Angelo on “Nothing Even Matters” from her generation-shifting 1998 album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” wrote in a moving 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 imaged a unity of strength and sensitivity in Black manhood to a generation that only saw itself as having to be one or the other.”
Doja Cat shared words on X, writing, “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.”
“Rest Peacefully D’Angelo,” wrote Missy Elliott in a post. “No parent want to see their children go but it’s painful for children to see their parents go to so send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength.”
Beyoncé issued a tribute on her website with a black-and-white photo of the late musician.
“Rest in peace, Michael Eugene archer, known to the world of music as the inimitable D’ANGELO, 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,” she wrote.
Jill Scott, another influential figure in neo-soul, said: “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.”
His longtime manager Kedar Massenburg wrote: “D’Angelo was a one-of-a-kind innovator and trailblazer whose contribution to Neo-Soul, R&B, and hip hop, will last forever. His artistry resonated with fans across the globe, and his commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty in his music was also the hallmark of how he lived. I was proud to be his manager and partner in his extraordinary rise to the top, but most importantly, I was honored to be called his friend. I humbly share so many great memories with the man and the artist, along with the people who knew him best. He was the definition of class in the dignified way he lived his life and treated those around him. His legacy continues to shape the next generation of artists and groundbreakers who still cite his influence today.”
See more reactions below.
