Celebrities pay tribute to neo-soul pioneer D'Angelo, dead at 51

Pioneering R&B and soul singer D’Angelo has died aged 51 after a cancer diagnosis.

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In a statement, the musician’s family wrote that the star, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, left behind a "legacy of extraordinarily moving music" and asked fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world”.

The hugely influential artist was regarded as one of the most gifted musicians of his generation and is known for pioneering neo-soul - a genre blending R&B with hip-hop, jazz and many other genres.

D’Angelo released three albums over the course of his career: the critically acclaimed 'Brown Sugar' in 1995, featuring the hit single ‘Lady’; 2000’s 'Voodoo', which included the single ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’, whose music video garnered mainstream attention and controversy; and his surprise 2014 record, ‘Black Messiah’ - one of the best records of that year.

His three albums won D'Angelo four Grammy Awards.

Tributes have flooded in, with Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Tyler The Creator and Jill Scott paying their respects.

Beyoncé wrote on her website: “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.”

Lauryn Hill shared: “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.”

She added: “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.”

“I told you a long time ago — You ain’t gon understand everything & everything ain’t meant 4 U, nor I, to understand,” wrote Jill Scott. “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.”

Red Hot Chili Peppers co-founder and bassist Flea wrote: “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.”

Tyler, The Creator shared: "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."

Chic icon Nile Rodgers wrote on X: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

“I remember hearing your music for the first time… I said to myself damn whoever this is they are anointed…,”wrote actor and musician Jamie Foxx. “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…”

Foxx continued: “That’s why today real tears run down my face … to hear the news that God has taken one of his special creations home… I know God doesn’t make mistakes… But this one hurts like hell… rest up my friend… you will be missed forever… But your music and your impression will be felt for generations to come…. REST IN POWER AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC….. You are one of one….”

Bartees Strange shared: "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.”

Singer, actor and lead MC of The Roots said: "We came up together— young, gifted, Black, and full of fire. Today I lost a brother, a kindred spirit, a genius whose light changed music and changed me. Rest in power, D. This world will never sound the same."

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

RIP D'Angelo 1974 - 2025