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D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer, Dies at 51

October 15, 2025
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Grammy-winning R&B and neo-soul legend, Michael Eugene Archer, popularly known as D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51.

The acclaimed musician passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a private battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from his family.

Family representatives confirmed that D’Angelo had been in and out of hospital for several months before spending his final two weeks in hospice care. He is survived by three children. His longtime partner and fellow artist, Angie Stone, had also passed away earlier this year.

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Widely regarded as a pioneer of the 1990s and early 2000s neo-soul movement, D’Angelo rose to global fame with timeless hits such as Untitled (How Does It Feel), Lady, and Brown Sugar. His artistry and introspective lyricism helped define a generation of soul music, influencing a wave of artists including Frank Ocean, Maxwell, and Anderson .Paak.

Beyond his chart-topping albums – Brown Sugar (1995), Voodoo (2000), and Black Messiah (2014). D’Angelo made a rare but powerful return to music with his 2019 track “Unshaken”, written for the award-winning video game Red Dead Redemption 2.

The song, co-written with Daniel Lanois and Rocco DeLuca, became a cultural moment for both music and gaming audiences.

Lanois, who produced the game’s soundtrack, recalled D’Angelo’s deep personal connection to the project. “He’d come into the Rockstar studio late at night to play through scenes of the game,” Lanois said in a 2018 interview. “He was captivated by the story and wanted to capture its spirit.”

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Unshaken was recorded in under two weeks and featured D’Angelo on Fender Rhodes piano, with Brian Blade on drums and Cyril Neville on percussion. The song’s meditative refrain “May I stand unshaken, amidst the crash of breaking worlds” resonated strongly with fans for its message of endurance and grace in hardship.

The track accompanies one of Red Dead Redemption 2’s most emotional sequences, as protagonist Arthur Morgan rides through the wilderness confronting his mortality. Critics have since hailed it as one of the most memorable moments in modern gaming.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Music producer Questlove wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “D’Angelo changed the sound of soul forever. His music wasn’t just felt it was lived.”

D’Angelo’s final years were spent largely away from the spotlight, focusing on family and spirituality. Despite his limited public appearances, his influence continued to shape contemporary R&B and alternative soul.

As fans mourn his passing, Unshaken has re-emerged on global streaming charts a fitting testament to an artist whose music continues to inspire reflection, resilience, and reverence.

 

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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