D'Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B singer who became an icon with Untitled (How Does It Feel),' dies

"D'Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&B singer recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for garnering mainstream attention with the shirtless Untitled (How Does It Feel) music video, has died. He was 51. The singer, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, died Tuesday, according to a statement from the family. The singer's family confirmed in a statement Tuesday that he died after battle with cancer. His family called him a shining star of our family and has dimmed his light for us in this life."

"In his music, D'Angelo blended hip-hop grit, emphatic soul and gospel-rooted emotion into a sound that helped spearhead the neo-soul movement of the 1990s. Earlier this year, the Virginia native celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut studio album Brown Sugar, a platinum-selling offering that produced signature hits like Lady and the title track. The 1995 album earned him multiple Grammy nominations and cemented him as one of R&B's most original new voices."

"That voice became inseparable from the striking visuals of his 2000 single Untitled (How Does It Feel). The minimalist, shirtless music video became a cultural touchstone, igniting conversations around artistry, sexuality and vulnerability in Black male representation. The song earned him a Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance and propelled his sophomore album Voodoo, topping the Billboard 200 chart and winning the Grammy for best R&B album."

D'Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, died at 51 after a battle with cancer. He blended hip-hop grit, emphatic soul and gospel-rooted emotion into a sound that helped spearhead the 1990s neo-soul movement. His 1995 debut Brown Sugar went platinum and produced hits like Lady and Brown Sugar, earning multiple Grammy nominations. The minimalist, shirtless video for Untitled (How Does It Feel) became a cultural touchstone and the single won a Grammy, while his album Voodoo topped the Billboard 200 and won best R&B album. He collaborated with artists including Lauryn Hill, The Roots and Black Men United, contributing songwriting and production.

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