"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."
"The Virginia-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer only sporadically released music, but all three of his studio albums shaped the landscape of R&B. His 1995 solo debut, Brown Sugar, pushed neo-soul into the broader consciousness when he was just 21 years old. He returned in 2000 with , incorporating funk into his repertoire to further enliven the genre with both an old-school timeless feel and the energy of a new class."
D'Angelo was a Virginia-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who helped define the neo-soul movement while remaining reclusive. He released three studio albums that shaped R&B, beginning with his 1995 debut Brown Sugar at age 21 and followed by a 2000 album that incorporated funk. After personal struggles including alcoholism, he returned in 2014 with the surprise release of Black Messiah, advancing the music conversation and responding early to the Black Lives Matter movement. His family announced he died at 51 after a prolonged battle with cancer, asked for privacy, and invited fans to mourn and celebrate his musical legacy.
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