Grammy-winning soul legend D’Angelo passes away at 51

Michael D’Angelo Archer, better known as D'Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51. Music lovers across the globe are mourning his loss. He died on October 14, 2025, from cancer at age 51, according to a statement issued by his family.

As people learned of D'Angelo's passing, fellow artists and friends shared their grief and memories of him. DJ Premier, a producer who regularly worked with him, tweeted,

"Such a sad loss … Sleep Peacefully D’Love You KING,"

The singer interested his listeners with a sound heard in much of modern R&B and soul.

D’Angelo's death and family statement

D’Angelo’s family released a statement confirming his death and describing his battle with cancer. They called him "the shining star of our family" and asked for privacy during this time. They said they are heartbroken and grateful for the "extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind."

According to reports by People, he had been hospitalized for months and was in hospice care for about two weeks before passing. People close to him said he faced his illness privately.

"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."

He is survived by his children. His ex, Angie Stone, who died earlier this year, was the mother of his oldest son. In a statement, his son Michael Archer II asked for thoughts and prayers, saying it has been a "very rough and sad year."

D’Angelo's life, music, and influence

D’Angelo signed his first major deal in 1993 and soon co-wrote U Will Know for Black Men United, which gained attention. In 1995, he released his debut album, Brown Sugar.

His second album, Voodoo, was released in 2000. This album is often referred to as the definitive turning point. The single "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" made him a cultural icon. Voodoo gave him Grammy Awards and a lasting reputation in the music industry.

After Voodoo, he did not hear or see his name in the music scene for many years. He had many personal struggles, took a long break in making and releasing music, and had a minimal public presence, and his kin and fans began anticipating and speculating about the artist's eventual return to the public eye.

A return to fame would come in 2014 when he released a new album, titled Black Messiah. Black Messiah was praised for musical richness and political meaning. Black Messiah won him Grammys and granted another opposite experience of how much he cared about music that meant something, rather than sounds.

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While albums are meaningful, D'Angelo was willing to collaborate with many other musicians. He was a feature on Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, laid tracks for GZA and Method Man and has also collaborated with Q-Tip, Common, and even contributed a song for 2019's Red Dead Redemption 2. In recent years, he had planned new music. He was working with Raphael Saadiq on an album that may now be released posthumously.

The death of D'Angelo stands to end the journey of one who reshaped R&B and soul music. May his soul rest in peace.

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