Four-time Grammy winner D’Angelo dies at 51 after cancer battle

15 Oct 2025, 00:07 by Jerry Lenbang · TheCable Lifestyle

D’Angelo, the US singer, songwriter, and producer hailed as a pioneer of the neo-soul movement, has died at the age of 51.

His family, in a statement, announced that he passed away on Tuesday in New York City after a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer”.

“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, October 14th, 2025,” the statement reads.

“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 join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

Born Michael Eugene Archer, the artiste was instrumental in defining the neo-soul genre of the 1990s and early 2000s, a sophisticated sound that blended classic R&B with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and gospel.

He first garnered attention after co-writing and co-producing the 1994 single ‘U Will Know’ by the R&B supergroup Black Men United.

His 1995 debut ‘Brown Sugar’ established his signature sound and earned him a dedicated following. His 2000 masterpiece ‘Voodoo’ is often considered one of the greatest R&B albums of all time.

His final album ‘Black Messiah,’ released in 2014, after a 14-year hiatus, was hailed as a timely and powerful work of social commentary, proving his artistic relevance and depth remained undimmed.

Over the course of his career, D’Angelo won four Grammy Awards.

D’Angelo never married. His family life included a relationship with soul singer Angie Stone in the 1990s. The couple had a son together — Michael Archer Jr., who was born in 1998.

He also had two other children: a daughter named Imani Archer, born in 1999, and another son, born in 2010.

Stone died in March 2025, just seven months before D’Angelo’s own passing.

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