R&B legend D’Angelo passes away at 51

D’Angelo’s family confirmed he had a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer

Katlego Sekhu

R&B legend D’Angelo passes away at 51 — Image: YouTube/
D’Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel) (Official Music Video)

Michael Eugene Archer, known professionally as D’Angelo, has died at 51 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
D’Angelo helped shape modern soul music with landmark albums, including Brown Sugar.
The family has requested privacy as fans and peers reflect on his legacy and the music he has left behind.

Renowned R&B and soul singer Michael Eugene Archer, known to the world as D’Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on 14 October, expressing both their heartbreak and gratitude for his enduring musical legacy:

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life… 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.

“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. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

D’Angelo first rose to prominence with his 1995 debut album Brown Sugar, which went platinum and is widely credited with helping to launch the neo-soul movement. The record featured standout tracks such as the title song Brown Sugar, a smooth cover of Smokey Robinson’s Cruisin’, and Lady, which reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

His sophomore release, Voodoo (2000), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album earned him two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Untitled (How Does It Feel).

In 2014, he made a powerful return with Black Messiah. It debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and earned two more Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song for Really Love.