Michael Archer II Opens Up: Paying Tribute to R&B Legend D'Angelo Amidst Tragic Loss
R&B LEGEND D'ANGELO DEAD AT 51: Son Michael Archer II Pays Heartbreaking Tribute as Family Mourns Loss of Pancreatic Cancer Battle
In a devastating blow to the music world, R&B icon and neo-soul pioneer D'Angelo has passed away at the age of 51 after a prolonged and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The news of his untimely death has left fans and followers reeling, with son Michael Archer II, 27, speaking out in a heartfelt tribute to his beloved father.
In a statement released to PEOPLE, Michael expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and friends, saying: "I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times, as it has been a very rough and sad year for me. I ask that you please continue to keep me in your thoughts as it will not be easy, but one thing that both my parents taught me was to be strong, and I intend to do just that."
D'Angelo's untimely passing comes just seven months after the tragic loss of his mother, Angie Stone, a singer and songwriter in her own right, who was killed in a car accident at age 63 in March. The couple dated for four years in the 1990s, with D'Angelo being just 19 when they first got together - sparking controversy over their significant age gap.
In an interview with Essence, Angie addressed the public scrutiny surrounding their relationship, saying: "What people didn’t realize was that before he became successful there was Angie Stone from the group Vertical Hold - a strong beautiful sister who dated somebody who had not even crossed the threshold of the industry yet. When I was dating him, he wore glasses, had short hair and his pants were hanging down to his butt. He was just a 19-year-old kid with big shorts and nobody cared and no one saw his beauty but me."
Angie went on to say: "I told him, ‘You are beautiful. I promise you when your record drops your lips are gonna become famous, your eyes - everything will become famous.’ And let's just say she was spot on! D'Angelo's undeniable charm and talent would go on to catapult him to superstardom with hits like 'Brown Sugar' and the iconic music video for 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)', which left fans and critics alike in awe.
The record label has paid tribute to D'Angelo, describing him as "a peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip-hop sensibility." His innovative approach to music left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for future generations of artists.
D'Angelo's legacy extends far beyond his music, however. As a creative perfectionist and multi-instrumentalist, he brought a level of depth and nuance to his craft that was unmatched by few others. His three albums with RCA Records - 'Brown Sugar', 'Voodoo', and 'Black Messiah' - are testament to his boundless talent and dedication.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, D'Angelo's family paid tribute to their beloved son, saying: "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."
As news of his passing spreads like wildfire, fans and friends are taking to social media to share their condolences and memories of the R&B legend. D'Angelo's untimely death is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
With his music continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, D'Angelo's legacy will undoubtedly live on long after he's gone. As his son Michael so eloquently put it: "I intend to do just that" - carry on his father's legacy with strength, courage, and a commitment to the music that defined him.
Rest in peace, D'Angelo. Your music will never be forgotten.
The Scholarly Note
