On October 14, the global music scene received нєαятвяєαкιиg news of the pαѕѕing of legendary R&B and soul singer D’Angelo. He pαѕѕed away at the age of 51 in New York City after a long, private battle with pancreatic ¢αи¢єя.
"The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life," his family said in a statement obtained by CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner.
D’Angelo was an icon and a pioneer of the neo-soul movement — a genre blending R&B with elements of hip-hop and jazz. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with his debut album Brown Sugar. The track Lady from that album reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996 and earned multiple GRAMMY nominations.
Building on that foundation, his next two albums — Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014) — brought him four major GRAMMY Awards, including two for Best R&B Album, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song, solidifying D’Angelo’s status as the “father of modern neo-soul.”
As a fellow artist and admirer, RM also expressed deep sorrow over the pαѕѕing of this musical legend. On October 15, the BTS leader shared an Instagram Story featuring D’Angelo’s GRAMMY-winning track Really Love, accompanied by a black heart emoji as a gesture of mourning.
Really Love stands as one of the most significant milestones in D’Angelo’s career and his greatest artistic triumph in recent years. The song was written during a period when he was pulling himself out of darkness — struggling with the aftermath of Voodoo’s success, battling alcoholism, surviving a near-fatal car α¢¢ι∂єит, distancing himself from family, being left by his girlfriend, and facing legal troubles.
RM’s heartfelt tribute deeply moved fans around the world. ARMYs echoed his emotions, sending the same messages of gяιєf and love: "May his soul rest in peace", "Sad to hear - such a good musician!", "I still can’t believe that D’Angelo has pαѕѕed away… He was working on a new album recently and didn’t even get the chance to finish it. May his soul rest in peace!", "Rest In Peace D'Angelo, a true titan of soul",...
Following the loss of this legend, many tributes poured in from renowned artists across the globe. "A true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come," Doja Cat wrote on X.
Jennifer Hudson said "we ℓσѕт a true original today" and "D'Angelo, your voice will live on forever. Rest well, King!!!"
Tyler the Creator said his "musical DNA" was shaped by D'Angelo - "We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art," he wrote.
Among those paying tribute was hip-hop legend DJ Premier, who produced D'Angelo's song Devil's Pie. "Such a sad loss," he wrote on social media. "We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D' Love You KING."
Although D’Angelo has pαѕѕed away, the musical legacy he left behind will remain forever valuable. His voice, his soul, and his artistry continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. Through his timeless sound, D’Angelo reminds the world that the true soul of art never fades.
