Grammy Award-winning Neo-soul legend D’Angelo has sadly passed away at the age of 51.
The news was confirmed by his family in a statement to Variety, who described him as “the shining star of our family” after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.
Tributes are flowing across social media as fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of a star who reshaped the sound of soul music. Known for blending R&B, hip-hop, and gospel influences, D’Angelo released three acclaimed albums — Brown Sugar, Voodoo and Black Messiah — and earned four Grammy Awards during his career.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat added her own tribute on X, writing, “Rest in peace D’angelo. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to his family and friends. A true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come”.
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott reflected on the pain of losing someone close, sharing, “No parent want to see their children go but it’s painful for children to see their parents go so send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength. Rest Peacefully D’Angelo”.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “God doesn’t make mistakes, but this hurts like hell. Rest up my friend… Your music and your impression will be felt for generations to come”.
He recalled watching D’Angelo’s “incredible” music video for “Untitled (How Does it Feel)” and described his voice as “silky and flawless”, calling him “anointed” and “one of one”.
“I was graciously envious of your style and your swag… I was also in pure awe of your talents… roaming around on each instrument, displaying your expertise in every note and every song… That’s why today real tears run down my face,” Foxx added.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson posted, “This really hurts! We lost a true original today. It just doesn’t seem real!! It can’t be. D’Angelo, your voice will live on forever. Rest well, King!!!”.
Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator reflected at length on Instagram, recalling buying Voodoo for his ninth birthday and having Brown Sugar playing at home as a child. “I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius,” he shared.
“That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. I am so lucky to have gotten my copy of VOODOO when I did. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. My musical DNA was helped shaped by this man. Forever grateful. Safe travels.”
Jill Scott
Jill Scott, who never met D’Angelo but admired him from afar, shared, “I told you a long time ago-You ain’t gon understand everything & everything ain’t meant 4 U, nor I, to understand. I never met D’Angelo but I love him, respect him, admire his gift. This loss HURTS!! Love to my family that are family to him. I’m so sorry. R.I.P. GENIUS”.
Tank
Tank wrote about the impact D’Angelo had on him and the genre: “I’m crushed!.. @thedangelo we wished to be your level of genius and human being. You blessed me in ways you will never know. I pray for your family and send love to everyone around the world who is feeling this loss. You were everything! What you’ve given us will live FOREVER! RIP to the greatest”.
DJ Premier
DJ Premier was one of the first to share his grief, calling D’Angelo’s death “such a sad loss” in a statement on social media. He reminisced, “We had many great times together. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING”.
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers shared memories of meeting D’Angelo early in his career, recalling, “He was trying to figure out what to do with the music he’d brought with him. I listened to every cut…not just out of respect but because it was smoking… I remember this as if it were yesterday. I said, ‘Put it out. It’s perfect!’ Being the #artist he is, I guess he had to explore some ways to make it better. About a year later I heard one of those songs on the radio. It was #genius and it was exactly what he had played for me. I know…I still have the original cassette”.
Bootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins mourned on X, writing, “Say it ain’t so, but we just lost a friend, a creator & legend”, and called the “Lady” singer his “lil-brother”.
D’Angelo’s family closed their statement by saying, “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”.
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