D’Angelo began his career as a songwriter, and worked alongside big names like Lauryn Hill and The Roots.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Grammy-winning R&B singer, Michael Eugene Archer, better known to fans as D’Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement released to journalists by his family.
According to the statement, D’Angelo, a pioneer of the neo-soul sound, died after a battle with cancer.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” the statement read. “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.”
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The family went on to say the artist left behind a “legacy of extraordinarily moving music” and asked fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
D’Angelo began his career as a songwriter, working alongside big names like Lauryn Hill and The Roots.
He rose to fame in the 1990s with his debut album, Brown Sugar. His song, “Lady,” from that album reached the No. 10 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1996.
His three albums won him four Grammy Awards. The music video for his hit song, “Untitled (How Does it Feel),” gained mainstream attention after he performed the song “naked” in the iconic one-shot video.
