R&B icon D’Angelo dead at 51 after secret cancer battle as shocked music world pays tribute to ‘revolutionary’ artist
The Grammy award winning artist was known for changing modern soul music
LEGENDARY soul artist D’Angelo has died at the age of 51.
Michael Eugene Archer, known for changing modern soul music, lost his secret battle with pancreatic cancer, his manager confirmed to The U.S. Sun.
“This is a monumental loss, not only for his family and loved ones but for the millions around the world who were touched by his revolutionary artistry,” D’Angelo’s manager Lindsay Guion told The U.S. Sun.
“D’Angelo was a genius, a force of nature whose music shifted the landscape of soul and R&B. More importantly, he was a cherished father, son, brother, and friend whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.”
Guion said the D’Angelo’s three children and the rest of his family are grieving their loved one’s death.
“The family is in the initial stages of processing this immense grief,” Guion said.
“They ask that their privacy be unequivocally respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
In May, D’Angelo had to cancel a performance with The Roots in Philadelphia due to a medical emergency.
“It is with the deepest of regrets that [I] must cancel my performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia next weekend,” D’Angelo wrote in a statement shared through the Roots Picnic’s Instagram page.
“But, due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery [I] had earlier this year, [I’ve] been advised by my team of specialists that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.”
The Roots captioned the post: “Due to a longer-than-expected surgical recovery, @thedangelo won’t be able to join us at Roots Picnic this year. We’re sending love and keeping him in our thoughts as he continues to heal!”
Two months before D’Angelo’s canceled show, his ex and the mother of his son, Angie Stone, died in a car accident.
Stone, 63, was driving back to Atlanta from Alabama when her car “flipped over and was subsequently hit by a big rig,” PBS reported.
LEGENDARY ARTIST
The singer was known to mix soul music with gospel, funk, and jazz.
He released his first album, Brown Sugar, in 1995.
Since then, he’s released two more studio albums along with live albums, compilations, and EPs.
D’Angelo has won four Grammys over the course of his career.
He’s won twice for R&B album, and once for Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
The artist previously made headlines after he opened up about his early substance abuse issues.
“I didn’t really think I had a problem like that. I felt like, you know, all I got to do is clean up and I’ll be fine,” D’Angelo told Kiss FM in 2012.
“Just get in the studio and I’ll be f**king fine.”
D’Angelo’s manager’s full statement
D’Angelo’s manager, Lindsay Guion, told The U.S. Sun:
It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I confirm the passing of Michael D’Angelo Archer.
D’Angelo passed away earlier today, October 14, 2025, in New York City. He was 51 years old.
This is a monumental loss, not only for his family and loved ones but for the millions around the world who were touched by his revolutionary artistry. D’Angelo was a genius, a force of nature whose music shifted the landscape of soul and R&B. More importantly, he was a cherished father, son, brother, and friend whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.
The family is in the initial stages of processing this immense grief. They ask that their privacy be unequivocally respected during this incredibly difficult time. There will be no further comment at this time.
An official statement from the family will be released in the coming days, at which point we will provide information regarding memorial services.
We thank you for the thoughts you’ve extended and for your understanding.
D’Angelo opened up about his multiple arrests, drug addiction, and his road to recovery in his 2019 documentary, Devil’s Pie.
Just last year, songwriter Raphael Saadiq told Rolling Stone that D’Angelo was working on a new album.
“He’s excited … He’s working on six pieces right now and he seems super excited,” Saadiq told the “Rolling Stone Music Now” podcast.
MUSIC INDUSTRY REACTS
The artist’s unexpected death came as a shock to fans and music industry professionals alike.
“My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed,” BET News host Marc Lamont Hill posted on X.
“Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace.”
Some fans were shocked to find out the artist’s name wasn’t trending due to a new album.
“Damn I thought people were talking about D’Angelo because he was dropping a surprise album,” one fan posted on X.
“Had no idea it was about this. RIP to a legend.”
DJ Premier, who helped produce D’Angelo’s track Devil’s Pie, also reacted to the heartbreaking news.
“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,” he wrote on X.
