Celebrated soul musician D’Angelo, revered for his sensual sound and groundbreaking influence on neo-soul, has died at 51 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer, according to multiple U.S. media outlets.
Gatekeepers News reports that Michael D’Angelo Archer, the Grammy-winning artist redefined R&B and soul with his fusion of gospel, funk, and jazz influences, producing timeless hits such as “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”.
“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,” his family said in a statement to Variety.
His 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, and the 2000 follow-up Voodoo earned widespread acclaim, cementing his status as one of R&B’s most influential voices. Voodoo won the Grammy for Best R&B Album, while its lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, earned D’Angelo the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
The track’s now-iconic, shirtless music video propelled him to superstardom, though D’Angelo later withdrew from the spotlight, struggling with the pressures of fame.
Known for his improvisational approach and love for analog production, D’Angelo frequently collaborated with other artists, including DJ Premier, with whom he recorded the 1998 single “Devil’s Pie.”
“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,” DJ Premier wrote on X.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Tyler, The Creator shared a black-and-white photo of the late singer, while producer The Alchemist simply wrote: “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo.”
Music outlet Pitchfork credited D’Angelo with helping to “define the neo-soul movement.” Despite his reclusiveness, his rare appearances and projects—including a 2016 feature on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s playlist—reinforced his enduring influence.
D’Angelo’s death was first reported by People Magazine and TMZ.
