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R&B icon D'Angelo dies aged 51

R&B icon D'Angelo has died aged 51.

The neo-soul legend passed away following a private battle with cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement, D'Angelo's loved ones revealed that he had been fighting the illness for a "prolonged" period of time.

"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, 14 October 2025," the family wrote.

"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," they continued. "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."

The American musician released three studio albums during his acclaimed career, beginning with his 1995 debut Brown Sugar. The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and earned him four Grammy nominations.

D'Angelo's second album, Voodoo, arrived in 2000 and debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Top R&B Albums charts. The record won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, while his single Untitled (How Does It Feel) earned him Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

After struggling with drug and alcohol addiction for years, D'Angelo made a triumphant return in 2014 with Black Messiah. This album also won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and is widely regarded as a modern neo-soul masterpiece.

Throughout his career, D'Angelo collaborated with a variety of artists, including Lauryn Hill, Questlove, and Common.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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