D’Angelo, Soul Music Legend, Has Died

D’Angelo, the visionary artist who defined the neo-soul movement over a two-decade career, has died. His family confirmed his passing in a statement to Variety.

D’Angelo’s legacy:

• D’Angelo released three studio albums throughout his career: Brown Sugar (1995), Voodoo (2000), and Black Messiah (2014).

• He won four Grammys, including Best R&B Album for Voodoo and Black Messiah.

• Brown Sugar spent 65 weeks on the Billboard 200.

• He had a lauded feature on “Nothing Even Matters” from Lauryn Hill’s iconic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

• D’Angelo wrote and produced Voodoo alongside Questlove Ahmir Thompson, founder of The Roots.

• The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City as part of an unofficial collective called The Soulquarians. 

• Other musicians in the collective included horn player Roy Hargrove, keyboardist James Poyser, bassist Pino Palladino, and producer J Dilla. Together, these artists worked on albums for Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, and other pioneering soul/hip-hop artists.

• After the Voodoo era that saw D’Angelo branded as a sex symbol following his video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” he removed himself from the public eye.

• He next appeared for his third and final album, Black Messiah, which he released alongside his new band, The Vanguard.

• D’Angelo and The Vanguard embarked on The Second Coming tour, playing notable venues such as The Apollo Theater in New York City and Bonnaroo.

• Following Black Messiah, D’Angelo had sparse releases. He put out “Unshaken” as a part of the soundtrack for the video game Red Dead Redemption 2, he was featured on GZA on Rapsody’s “IBTIHAJ,” and hosted an episode of the second season of VERZUZ.

His family’s statement:

• “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 join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”