American rapper and singer Lauryn Hill has paid tribute to “genius” former collaborator D’Angelo after he died aged 51.
Hill, 50, duetted with the singer, whose real name was Michael Archer, on the soulful ballad Nothing Even Matters from her best-known album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (1998).
In a post on Instagram, the former Fugees member said: “I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God.
“You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius. Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.
“Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed.
“You imaged a unity of strength and sensitivity in black manhood to a generation that only saw itself as having to be one or the other. It is my earnest prayer that you are in peace, far away from selfishness, fear and/or controlling interests.
“Far from possessiveness, far from greed, far from manipulation, far from exploitation, far from intentionally designed chaos and that you Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfilment with our father in heaven.
“I love you and I miss you. May God grant peace and shelter to your family, true friends and genuine appreciators.”
D’Angelo’s death in New York on Tuesday was confirmed by his family, who said the Virginia-born star was a “monumental loss”, and added: “D’Angelo was a genius, a force of nature whose music shifted the landscape of soul and R&B.
“More importantly, he was a cherished son, brother and friend whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.”
His death came after he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Also paying tribute to the singer was Sir Elton John, who said in a post on Instagram: “So sad to hear the news of D’Angelo’s passing.
“He was inspirational, his three albums are perfection, he was the inventor of neo soul and has been a huge influence to so many artists.
“A sad day. May his music live on forever.”
D’Angelo was known for his raspy voice, and music which blended hip hop, soul and gospel to create a fresh sound, which would go on to become known as neo soul.
He rose to major mainstream attention with the release of his 2000 single Untitled (How Does It Feel), and its accompanying shirtless music video.
The song won him a Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance and propelled his album Voodoo to top the Billboard 200 chart, winning the Grammy for best R&B album.
Singer Paloma Faith said in a post on Instagram: “Rest in peace D’Angelo. Nothing will describe the impact you had on my life.
“You were the soundtrack to my youth, a way for me to free my individuality, a language of expression, a way of life. You inspired me musically, spiritually. I felt silently defined by you. Thank you for all you gave us. What a hero.”
D’Angelo’s first studio album Brown Sugar (1995), which featured hits such as Lady and the title track, saw its 30th anniversary earlier this year, having picked up multiple Grammy nominations following its release.
In a tribute on Instagram, singer Justin Timberlake said hearing the album for the first time was “the most pivotal moment in establishing confidence in my own voice”.
He said: “You took R&B and put it all in capitals, meshed it with something else and changed the landscape, made it something more.
“Your contribution will always be remembered.”
D’Angelo also contributed to The Roots’ 1996 album Illadelph Halflife and was part of the supergroup Black Men United, which yielded one song, U Will Know.
The singer’s partner was fellow artist Angie Stone, who worked with him on Brown Sugar, and the two co-wrote the song Everyday for her 1999 debut album, Black Diamond.
Stone died earlier this year in a car crash, aged 63, and the couple had a son together, the artist Swayvo Twain, born Michael Archer Jr.
D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer.
After the release of Voodoo, D’Angelo withdrew from the spotlight, before returning in 2014 with Black Messiah, credited to D’Angelo And The Vanguard.
The record won him a Grammy for best R&B album, while single Really Love, earned him another Grammy for best R&B song and earned a nomination for record of the year.
D’Amgelo’s family asked for privacy following the singer’s death.
