Beyoncé Leads Outpouring of Tributes for Neo-Soul Legend D’Angelo
MUSIC LEGEND D'ANGELO PASSES AWAY AT 46: CELEBRITIES MOURN THE LOSS OF A TRUE TALENT
In a shocking and devastating blow, R&B icon D'Angelo has left this world behind after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter passed away on October 14th in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of music that will be remembered for generations to come.
D'Angelo's untimely death has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with celebrities and fellow musicians taking to social media to pay their respects. Beyoncé was one of the first to honor D'Angelo on her website, sharing a striking black-and-white photo and writing a heartfelt tribute: "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."
But Beyoncé wasn't the only one to express their condolences. Doja Cat took to Twitter to call D'Angelo "a true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come." Meanwhile, Missy Elliott shared a message urging fans to keep D'Angelo's son in their prayers: "No parent wants to see their children go but it's painful for children to see their parents go too... So send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength."
D'Angelo leaves behind two children with his ex-partner Angie Stone, whom he dated on and off in the 1990s. The couple welcomed their son Michael D'Angelo Archer II (also known as Swayvo) in 1998, as well as a daughter born in 1999 and a son born in 2010. Tragically, Stone passed away earlier this year at just 63 years old after being involved in a car accident.
But it's not just his personal life that has left fans heartbroken - D'Angelo's music legacy will be deeply missed too. As Jamie Foxx poignantly put it: "I remember hearing your music for the first time... I said to myself, damn whoever this is they are anointed... 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."
Tyler, the Creator also shared his admiration for D'Angelo's work: "I couldn't understand how someone could write something so simple but personal and broad yet genius. That's how special he was... A savant. A true alien." He went on to reveal that he first bought Voodoo for his ninth birthday - a testament to the enduring impact of D'Angelo's music.
Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers also paid tribute, calling D'Angelo "one of my all-time favorites" and praising his unique approach to songwriting: "No one did anything funkier over the last 30 years. I never knew him but humbled myself before his music." Nile Rodgers, a legendary musician in his own right, shared a heartfelt message recalling when he first met D'Angelo: "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."
As news of D'Angelo's passing spread, fans took to social media to share their own memories and tributes to the late singer-songwriter. His influence on modern music cannot be overstated - a testament to his innovative style and genre-bending sound.
D'Angelo's death has left an immeasurable void in the music world, but it is clear that his legacy will live on through his incredible discography, which includes classics like Brown Sugar and Untitled (How Does It Feel). His family announced his passing with a statement on Tuesday: "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."
At the time of his death, D'Angelo had been working on a highly anticipated fourth album with longtime collaborator Raphael Saadiq - an album that is now set for posthumous release. This news has left fans eagerly anticipating what could have been.
In the words of Tyler, the Creator: "We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art... My musical DNA was helped shaped by this man. Forever grateful." The world will indeed be forever changed without D'Angelo's incredible music and presence in our lives - but it is clear that his impact will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
Sources:
- thescholarlynote.com
- Various social media platforms
