American singer D'Angelo, a prominent figure in NEO soul, who enjoyed great success in the 1990s and 2000s, has passed away at the age of 51 from pancreatic cancer, according to various sources.
The singer's family confirmed his death in a statement: "The bright star of our family has dimmed its light for us in this life... After a prolonged and brave battle against cancer, with deep sorrow we announce that Michael D'Angelo Archer, known to his fans worldwide as D'Angelo, has been called home, leaving this life today, October 14, 2025. We are saddened that he can only leave us with his precious memories, but we are eternally grateful for the extraordinarily moving musical legacy he leaves behind."
The singer-songwriter's three albums—Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah—have been considered by experts as contemporary classics.
With the single "How Does It Feel," the artist won 2 Grammy awards in 2001 and with "Black Messiah," two more in 2014.
D'Angelo, born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 11, 1974, became a legend for his unique ability to blend soul, R&B, funk, and gospel, being a key architect in the birth and rise of neo soul in the '90s.
One of the first to react to the passing was DJ Premier, collaborator of D'Angelo on the 1998 hit "Devil's Pie". "What a sad loss the passing of D'Angelo is. We shared so many good times. We will miss you greatly. Rest in peace, I love you," he wrote on his social media profile.