D’Angelo dies aged 51 after “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer”

Neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo has died aged 51, his family have confirmed.

This afternoon (October 14), TMZ reported that the musician died this morning after privately living with pancreatic cancer.

In a statement to Variety, his family confirmed the news. They said: “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.”

Friends and peers have paid tribute on social media. DJ Premier, who produced his song ‘Devil’s Pie’, said on X (Twitter), “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”

Rapper Tyler, the Creator simply posted a black and white photo of D’Angelo, while producer The Alchemist wrote, “Man. Rest in peace D’ Angelo” alongside a dove emoji.

Such a sad loss to the passing of D’angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’
Love You KING

— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 14, 2025

pic.twitter.com/PXzwxp7DbN

— T (@tylerthecreator) October 14, 2025

Man. Rest in peace D’ Angelo.

— Alchemist Type Beat (@Alchemist) October 14, 2025

Producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox wrote on Instagram, “We lost a GIANT today. The last time I shed tears for an artist when they transitioned was Prince… I shed some today.”

Singer-songwriter Jill Scott wrote, “I never met D’Angelo but I love him, respect him, admire his gift,” while Doja Cat sent her “thoughts, love and prayers” to his loved ones.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bryan-Michael Cox (@bryanmichaelcox)

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.

— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) October 14, 2025

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.

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) October 14, 2025

D’Angelo was born in Richmond, Virginia on February 11, 1974, and became interested in music as a child. He spent his teenage years playing in groups before signing to EMI in 1993 and wrote the song ‘U Will Know’ for the group Black Men United.

He came to prominence in 1995 when he released his debut album ‘Brown Sugar’, which was certified platinum in the US. His next album, 2000’s ‘Voodoo’, was acclaimed by critics and hit Number One, and saw him win his first two Grammy Awards. He then released his third album, ‘Black Messiah’, in 2014.

In May, he cancelled his appearance at the Roots Picnic Festival in Philadelphia due to what he described as an “unforeseen medical delay” following surgery he had earlier in the year.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children, sons Michael and Morocco and daughter Imani. His ex-girlfriend, and Michael’s mother, soul singer Angie Stone, died in a car crash in March aged 63.

The post D’Angelo dies aged 51 after “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer” appeared first on NME.