D’Angelo’s daughter writes about “immeasurable loss” after singer’s death at 51

Musician D’Angelo's daughter, Imani Archer, is paying an emotional tribute to her father, following his death.

D’Angelo, known for shaping the sound of modern R&B through his groundbreaking album Brown Sugar, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Imani Archer paid her tribute on Instagram, where she also shared images with her father.

“Dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss. I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. You were my biggest hype man, my protector, my biggest musical inspiration, the kindest and most selfless man, and the best father anyone could’ve ever had,” she wrote in part in the caption of the post.

In its obituary, The Guardian described D’Angelo as a pioneer of “neo-soul,” a genre that wove together funk, jazz, and hip-hop to create something timeless. Even with a short discography of three albums, released over nearly two decades, D’Angelo’s influence reached far beyond his years of active recording. His sophomore album, Voodoo, hit No. 1 in the U.S., and the 2014 album, Black Messiah, later joined it in the Top 10. Together, those works earned him four Grammy Awards and solidified his legacy as one of the most innovative voices in soul music.

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Imani Archer remembers D’Angelo in her touching Instagram tribute

Imani Archer’s tribute to her late father continued with a series of emotional reflections.

“No one will EVER measure up to how brave and strong you are, till the very end, you made sure to protect me from anything that would scare or hurt me. I love you so much, Daddy. I wish I had more time to spend with you. For you to show me new music, play piano with me to our favorite songs, or to go back and forward about our favorite go to meals,” she wrote.

She also wrote about his impact on her life and expressed her gratitude.

“You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter, I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life.” she shared.

Archer’s post ended with an emotional note.

“Dad…I miss you more than life and this is breaking my heart into a million pieces. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time. I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day.” I’ll always be your BabyGirl,” she concluded.

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D’Angelo’s family mourns his death, RCA pays tribute to his musical genius

D’Angelo’s family announced his passing to Us Weekly on Tuesday and described the moment as the dimming of a “shining star” while acknowledging his long illness. Their statement combined a request for privacy with an invitation to celebrate the music he had left behind.

“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.” they said.

They added that, though they were left with memories, they were grateful for his musical legacy. Imani Archer’s Instagram tribute the following day offered a daughter’s perspective on that legacy, recalling the ways he protected and inspired her and expressing how much she would miss everyday things like sharing new music and playing piano together.

RCA also released a tribute that emphasized D’Angelo’s singular musical voice and the high regard in which his three albums were held.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of D’Angelo, he was a peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip-hop sensibility. A known perfectionist, D’Angelo released three albums that were widely celebrated as masterpieces by both the music community and his beloved fans around the world. He was heavily awarded and critically acclaimed for his talents,” the label said.

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D’Angelo’s life, music, and influence remembered following his death

As reported by The Guardian, D’Angelo entered the world as Michael Archer in Richmond, Virginia, the son of Pentecostal minister Luther Archer and Mariann (née Smith). Music surrounded him from childhood. He learned to play the piano in church and began performing gospel songs before discovering the wider world of soul and funk, which would later define his style.

His natural ability quickly became evident. As a teenager, he made his way to New York City, where he captured attention by winning three straight amateur talent shows at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater, a stage that has launched many legendary careers.

Back home, he played in several Richmond-based groups, among them Three of a Kind, Michael Archer and Precise, and Intelligent, Deadly But Unique (IDU). By 1993, his songwriting drew the attention of EMI, which signed him to a publishing deal. For the label, he wrote U Will Know, a charity single that spoke out against Black-on-Black violence.

Released the following year by the collective Black Men United, featuring Lenny Kravitz, R. Kelly, and members of Boyz II Men, the song charted on both sides of the Atlantic.

The following year, D’Angelo introduced himself as a solo artist with Brown Sugar, his platinum-selling debut. The record reached No. 22 in the U.S. and produced two hit singles, Brown Sugar and Lady, both celebrated for blending sensuality and social consciousness in equal measure.

In 1998, he appeared on Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, contributing vocals and electric piano to the duet Nothing Even Matters. He is survived by three children, Michael (whom he shared with late singer Angie Stone), Imani, and Morocco.