R&B Legend D’Angelo Passes Away at 51: reports

Neo-soul legend D'Angelo has died at the age of 51, after secretly battling pancreatic cancer.

On Tuesday, October 14, the R&B icon took his last breath, with the cause of death confirmed, as reported by TMZ.

D’Angelo began playing piano at just 3 years old and was performing alongside his father in church by age 5. He later continued honing his skills at his grandfather’s Pentecostal church.

As he grew up, he and two cousins formed a group called Three of a Kind, performing at local talent shows. By 16, he teamed up with his brother Luther to form another band, Michael Archer and Precise.

D'Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, first rose to fame with his 1995 debut Brown Sugar, blending smooth vocals with soulful grooves.

DJ Premier, who worked with D’Angelo on the 1998 song Devil’s Pie, confirmed the news in a post on X on October 14:

"Such a sad loss with the passing of D'Angelo. We had so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully, D. Love you, KING," he wrote.

D’Angelo cemented his status as a neo-soul pioneer with Voodoo (2000), featuring the iconic Untitled (How Does It Feel), earning critical acclaim and a Grammy.

Known for his musicianship and passionate live performances, he returned in 2014 with Black Messiah, proving his influence endures. D’Angelo’s career has left a lasting mark on modern soul and R&B music.

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