Neo-soul pioneer D'Angelo dies at the age of 51

Neo-soul pioneer D'Angelo has died today at the age of 51.

His family confirmed the news in a statement released this afternoon, originally published by Variety.

"The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life," the statement read.

"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.

"We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world."

His death reportedly followed a long private struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Tributes have poured in for the iconic musician, including from Irish band Bricknasty.

"this man meant everything to us," wrote Bricknasty on Instagram.

"we worked so hard to one day share a stage with you we all loved you so deeply and you changed how we play music permanently. no one will ever be as much of a beautiful gift to music as you. i cannot articulate how deeply this wounds me. we came together because of you. we learned our instruments and our trades through you. you will never ever leave our hearts."

 

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Fellow R&B legend Nile Rodgers honoured D'Angelo by recounting his early career in a post on X.

"My friend Gary Harris brought this musician named D'Angelo over to my NYC apt," Rodgers said.

"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. At the end of the encounter he asked me, 'What should I do with it?'

"I remember this as if it were yesterday. I said, "Put it out. It's perfect!" Being the artist he is, I guess he had to explore some ways to make it better. About a year later I heard one of those songs on the radio. It was genius and it was exactly what he had played for me. I know...I still have the original cassette."

My friend Gary Harris brought this musician named D'Angelo over to my NYC apt. 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. At the end of the encounter he asked me, "What… pic.twitter.com/4KjOKLswP9

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 14, 2025

Former James Brown bassist Bootsy Collins also posted on X to express his sadness at the news, writing, "Danggit!"

"Say it ain't so, but we just lost a friend, a creator & legend, D'Angelo," Collins wrote.

"Prayer's going out to his family & friends! We all lolve u lil-brother. R.I.P."

Danggit!🤟Say it ain't so, but we just lost a friend, a creator & legend, D'Angelo!😭 Prayer's going out to his family & friends!🙏🙏🙏 We all lolve u lil-brother. R.I.P... pic.twitter.com/I9fmImBxl1

— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) October 14, 2025

Born February 1974 in Virginia, D'Angelo spent his early years playing in various bands before signing to EMI in 1993.

He rose to fame for his solo work with his platinum-certified 1995 debut album Brown Sugar.

His 2001 album Voodoo sat comfortably at number one on the charts and won him his first two Grammys.

He went on to win Grammys for his 2016 album Black Messiah and single 'Really Love'.

He is survived by his three children, sons Michael and Morocco and daughter Imani.