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Beyoncé remembered D'Angelo as a "pioneer of neo-soul" and Jamie Foxx called the late singer a "special creation," while his son, Michael, and daughter, Imani, shared emotional tributes.
The music industry has suffered a huge loss with the death of Grammy-winning R&B soul singer D'Angelo. The singer passed away Tuesday morning in New York City, according to TMZ, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, D'Angelo blasted onto the music scene with his debut album Brown Sugar going platinum in 1995 and helping usher in the neo soul sound.
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View StoryAfter collaborations with multiple artists, including his girlfriend at the time, Angie Stone, as well as Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo's sophomore effort, Voodoo, debuted at number one. The album would go on to win the Grammy for Best R&B Album, a feat he would repeat in 2016 for Black Messiah.
D'Angelo would also score a Grammy for the lead single off of Voodoo, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," which was helped by its music video's stark imagery, with just a seemingly nude D'Angelo singing as the camera zoomed in and out, capturing the imaginations of a generation of fans.
The artist is survived by two sons and a daughter, with his oldest son shared with the late Angie Stone, who died in a car accident earlier this year on March 1 at just 63 years old.
Jill Scott was one of the first to pay tribute to D'Angelo, with her message on X coming just one day after she'd honored the artist in another post where she expressed her love for his artistry, alongside Erykah Badu, Bette Midler, The Roots and others.
"I told you a long time ago-You ain’t gon understand everything & everything ain’t meant 4 U ,nor I, to understand. I never met D’Angelo but I love him, respect him, admire his gift," she wrote on Tuesday. "This loss HURTS!! Love to my family that are family to him. I’m so sorry. R.I.P. GENIUS." She added two broken heart emojis.
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View StoryBeyoncé shared a statement on her website, with the tribute being featured on the homepage.
"Rest in peace, Michael Eugene Archer, known to the world of music as the inimitable D'Angelo. We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry," she wrote. "You were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you."
Meanwhile, Kelly Rowland -- her former Destiny's Child bandmate -- also paid tribute to D'Angelom, writing on X, "This one hurts, DEEP! The way this man, poured himself in the music! The stories I’ve heard of his brilliant process…….im just speechless…… He TRULY IS 1 of 1. Simply gutted by this loss! May God Bless D’Angelo’s family and loved Ones. We lost a GIANT."
Jamie Foxx and Lauren Hill both mourned D'Angelo's passing on Instagram, sharing touching and lengthy tributes.
Foxx recalled the fist time he listened to D'Angelo's music, saying that he felt he was "anointed" and "blown away," while also remembering the first time he saw him in concert.
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View Story"God put you here for a reason and we were all lucky enough to see what God had made… That’s why today real tears run down my face … ," he later added. "to hear the news that God has taken one of his special creations home… I know God doesn’t make mistakes… But this one hurts like hell… rest up my friend… you will be missed forever… But your music and your impression will be felt for generations to come…. REST IN POWER AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC….. You are one of one…."
Hill began her tribute by expressing her regrets. "I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God," she captioned a carousel of photos of D'Angelo. "You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius."
She went on to praise D'Angelo, calling the late musician "a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us" and for "charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed."
Doja Cat, meanwhile, also reacted to D'Angelo's passing, writing on X, "Rest in peace D’angelo. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to his family and friends. A true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come." Flavor Flav shared an image of the artist, captioning it, "R.I.P. ICON D’Angelo" with praying hand and angel wing emojis.
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View Story"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..." wrote Bootsy Collins, while DJ Premier commented, "Such a sad loss to the passing of D'angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D' Love You KING"
"Rest Peacefully D’Angelo," Missy Elliott penned. "No parent want to see their children go but it’s painful for children to see their parents go to so send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength."
Meanwhile, D'Angelo's family members have also begun speaking out following the singer's death.
His son, Michael Archer II, issued an emotional statement to People.
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"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," said the 27-year-old, who lost his mother, Angie Stone, in a car accident seven months ago. "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."
His daughter, Imani Archer, shared a breaking tribute on Instagram, posting a carousel of photos of herself and her father over the years.
"dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss," she began in her caption. "I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. you were my biggest hype man, my protector, my biggest musical inspiration, the kindest and most selfless man, and the best father anyone could’ve ever had. No one will EVER measure up to how brave and strong you are."
"Till the very end, you made sure to protect me from anything that would scare or hurt me. I love you so much Daddy. I wish I had more time to spend with you. For you to show me new music, play piano with me to our favorite songs, or to go back and forward about our favorite go to meals," she continued. "You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life."
"Dad…I miss you more than life and this is breaking my heart into a million pieces. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time," she added. "I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl😞❤️🩹💔."
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