It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of the legendary neo-soul and R&B artist D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer. The Grammy Award-winning singer reportedly passed away at the age of 51, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
D’Angelo, a native of Richmond, Virginia, had his music talents nurtured from a young age, growing up in a Pentecostal church and family. His early immersion in gospel music heavily influenced his sounds as a recording artist. In 1995, D’Angelo released his debut album Brown Sugar to critical acclaim, helping to shape the genre now known as neo-soul. He followed with Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014), curating a unique sound that centered Black love, spirituality, and resistance while captivating the hearts of millions.
His music was also featured in iconic films such as Space Jam, Belly, The Best Man, and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, shaping storytelling in film with messages of perseverance and love.
D’Angelo’s legacy continues to live on through his timeless music and the stories it helped bring to life on screen.
Rest in peace, Michael “D’Angelo” Archer.
–Dominique Young // @heyyydommm