He won four Grammy awards
The world of music is mourning the loss of Grammy-winning soul legend D’Angelo, who has tragically died at the age of 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Brown Sugar hitmaker passed away on Tuesday morning in New York City, according to sources close to his family and longtime manager Kedar Massenberg.
His death marks the end of one of the most distinctive and influential careers in modern R&B, which spanned three decades and reshaped the sound of neo-soul.
D’Angelo, best known for hits such as Lady, Untitled (How Does It Feel) and Really Love, was a defining voice of the 1990s and early 2000s soul renaissance.
His debut album Brown Sugar, released in 1995, marked his arrival as a prodigy – blending gospel roots, funk, and jazz into a sensual, groundbreaking sound that inspired a generation of artists from Alicia Keys to Frank Ocean.
A source close to the family said: “He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed. D’Angelo fought hard and with grace until the end.”
Another added: “He was one of those rare artists who gave everything to the music – he left nothing behind.”, reports the Express.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with musical heavyweights including Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, and Erykah Badu, and was celebrated not only for his velvet voice but also for his musicianship – often playing multiple instruments and co-producing his own albums.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from across the entertainment world.
DJ Premier, who worked with him on the 1998 track “Devil’s Pie,” confirmed the devastating news via X on Oct. 14.
“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 penned.
One admirer posted on X: “D’Angelo changed the way R&B felt – the sound, the soul, the swagger. A true legend gone too soon.”
Another simply shared: “Brown Sugar forever.”
His subsequent album, Voodoo, which dropped in 2000, secured him two Grammys including Best R&B Album, establishing his status amongst music’s greatest.
However, it was the sultry, stripped-back video for Untitled (How Does It Feel) – featuring the artist appearing naked against a shadowy background – that transformed him into a cultural icon.
The visual became one of the most discussed in music video history, generating endless debate and imitation whilst “revolutionising the persona” of the contemporary male soul artist.
Receiving 14 Grammy nominations throughout his career, D’Angelo claimed four accolades, including Best R&B Album twice for Voodoo and Black Messiah.
He additionally secured Best R&B Vocal Performance for Untitled (How Does It Feel) and Best R&B Song for Black Messiah’s Really Love.
The artist leaves behind 2 sons and a daughter.
The mother of his eldest son was vocalist Angie Stone, who passed away tragically this year in a motor accident.