D’Angelo Dies at 51: Reports Confirm
Legendary R&B singer D’Angelo has allegedly passed away at the age of 51, as confirmed by journalist Marc Lamont Hill. Hill shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning, expressing his disbelief and condolences. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but reports indicate that D’Angelo had been privately battling pancreatic cancer.
D’Angelo’s Impact on Music
D’Angelo first emerged on the music scene with his debut album, Brown Sugar, released in 1995. The record quickly became a sensation, spending 65 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving platinum certification from the RIAA within its first year. It earned D’Angelo four Grammy Award nominations, significantly contributing to the rise of the neo-soul genre.
Notable Albums and Collaborations
- Voodoo (2000): D’Angelo’s second studio album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It featured the iconic single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”
- Black Messiah (2014): This politically charged album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200. D’Angelo collaborated with Questlove for this project.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Angie Stone. He also contributed to the song “U Will Know” by Black Men United in 1994.
Tributes from Celebrated Artists
Following the announcement of his passing, several celebrities took to social media to share their tributes. DJ Premier expressed his sorrow on X, reminiscing about their time together. He stated, “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully.”
Additionally, rapper Tyler the Creator honored D’Angelo by posting a black-and-white photo of the artist, while The Alchemist simply wrote, “Rest in peace D’Angelo.”
D’Angelo leaves behind a profound legacy in the music industry, influencing countless artists and fans alike. His contributions to R&B and neo-soul will be remembered for generations.
