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Digital Phablet – Grammy-winning R&B singer and musician D’Angelo passed away on Tuesday after a private battle with cancer, according to his family. He was a pioneer who helped shape the neo-soul genre. He was 51 years old.
His family shared with multiple news outlets, “The brightest star in our family has dimmed in this life.” They added, “It is with heavy hearts we announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known worldwide as D’Angelo, has been called home after a courageous and lengthy fight with cancer.”
“We are heartbroken that he leaves behind only cherished memories, but we are forever grateful for the profound music legacy he leaves behind,” the statement read. “Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. We invite everyone to join us in mourning his passing and honoring the gift of music he shared with the world.”
His full name was Michael Eugene Archer, born in Richmond, Virginia. As the youngest of three sons raised by a Pentecostal preacher, he and his older brother Luther Archer always played music together. In 1994, they co-wrote and produced the track “U Will Know” for the R&B supergroup Black Men United, which also featured Brian McKnight, Usher, R. Kelly, Boyz II Men, and Raphael Saadiq.
The following year, D’Angelo released Brown Sugar, his debut album that received widespread praise. His second album, Voodoo, released in 2000, is considered a genre-defining masterpiece of blending musical styles.
Voodoo earned him the Grammy for Best R&B Album, and he also took home the award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the provocative hit “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The music video, showcasing D’Angelo singing a slow jam, inadvertently turned him into an iconic sex symbol. Critic Robert Christgau once referred to him as “R&B Jesus,” even claiming he was a better singer than Marvin Gaye.
His sound and soul left a lasting impact that continues to resonate. Spotify remarked, “D’Angelo’s music will echo forever, and his legacy will never fade,” sharing a tribute with a photo by Thierry LeGoues.
In addition to his work, D’Angelo intentionally kept a low profile, which led to struggles with substance abuse and periods of rehab. Dominique Trenier, his former manager, revealed in 2008 that D’Angelo was uncomfortable with the fame aspect of his persona. Trenier noted, “I’m glad the video had the impact it did. But we were both disappointed because many still just remember the image from that one performance.”
It wasn’t until 2014’s Black Messiah, a politically charged album that won the Grammy for Best R&B Album, that he released his next studio project after Voodoo.
Rockstar Games paid homage, stating, “Rest In Peace D’Angelo, a true titan of soul. We are forever grateful for his track ‘Unshaken,’ which will remain an enduring part of the legacy of Red Dead Redemption 2.”
His record label, RCA Records, expressed their sorrow, calling him a “visionary who effortlessly fused classic soul, funk, gospel, R&B, jazz, and hip hop.” As a member of the Soulquarians collective, D’Angelo collaborated with many notable artists including The Roots, Common, J Dilla, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Angie Stone, his former partner and mother of his son, Michael Archer Jr.—a hip-hop artist known as Swayvo Twain.
Michael Archer Jr. shared with People magazine, “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during these tough times. It’s been a difficult year. Please keep me in your thoughts as I navigate this. My parents taught me to stay strong, and I intend to.”
He also has a daughter, Imani Archer, who is pursuing a career in singing, and another son, Morocco Archer.
D’Angelo had recently canceled a headline performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia due to an unforeseen medical issue related to recent surgery. In an Instagram post, he explained, “It’s with deep regret I must cancel my appearance. My doctors advised that performing could complicate my recovery.”
He closed by thanking fans for their support and expressed excitement for upcoming projects, saying, “In the studio and eager to share new music with you all soon! Love you and see you shortly!”
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