The news of Neo-Soul pioneer and R&B singer D’Angelo’s death continues to spread and now, fellow heavyweights in the music industry and Hollywood at-large are sharing their heartfelt memories and tributes. From folks like Jamie Foxx to rappers like Missy Elliot, the loss of the beloved singer is being felt far and wide.
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As we previously told you, the “Another Life” singer’s passing was confirmed by his family on Tuesday (Oct. 14) who revealed that death came after a “prolonged” battle with pancreatic cancer.
“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,” the family wrote.
Now, peers and other music artists and actors are speaking out in honor of the “One Mo’Gin” singer and revealing some of their fondest memories of D’Angelo’s songs and impact.
In a post to Instagram, Jamie Foxx penned: “I remember hearing your music for the first time… I said to myself damn whoever this is they are anointed… Then when I finally got a chance to see you… Like everyone when they saw the most incredible music video of our time… I was blown away… I thought to myself I have to see this person in concert… I had my chance to see you at the house of blues… You came out and got right down to business… Your voice was silky and flawless… I was graciously envious of your style and your swag.
Foxx continued by saying he was crying “real tears” after discovering God took one of “his special creations home” and that the loss “hurts like hell.”
Rapper Tyler the Creator also posted a lengthy post to Instagram, telling a story of how he bought D’Angelo’s sophomore album “Voodoo” album for his ninth birthday when he was younger. The singer’s firs project, “Brown Sugar” was already in regular rotation at his home.
“I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius. thats how special he was. a savant. a true alien,” Tyler wrote. “I am so lucky to have gotten my copy of VOODOO when i did. we are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. my musical dna was helped shaped by this man. forever grateful. safe travels[sic].”
Rapper Missy Elliot also shared similar sentiments, writing in a post to X/Twitter: “Rest Peacefully D’Angelo. No parent want to see their children go but it’s painful for children to see their parents go to so send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength.”
Beyoncé took a minute to post a tribute to the “Cruisin’” singer on her website, writing in part: “We thank you for your beautiful, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry, you were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.”
CHIC’s Nile Rodgers reflected on the first time he met D’Angelo and heard his music in a post to X/Twitter, explaining that his friend brough him over because he was unsure of what to do with the music he had.
“I listened to every cut…not just out of respect but because it was smoking. At the end of the encounter he asked me, ‘What should I do with it?’ I remember this as if it were yesterday. I said, ‘Put it out. It’s perfect!’ Being the #artist he is, I guess he had to explore some ways to make it better,” Rodgers shared.
He concluded: “A year later I heard one of those songs on the radio. It was #genius and it was exactly what he had played for me.”
Rapper Doja Cat also shared her thoughts on the “Really Love” singer’s death, writing in a post to X/Twitter, “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.”
Writer Jemele Hill wrote in a post: “D’Angelo made three albums with no skips. That man is a legend. And for those of us who were in our early adulthood during that neo-Soul era, this one hit especially hard.”
Fellow singer Jill Scott penned a post on X/Twitter explaining how we won’t understand everything but that pain of D’Angelo’s death is hitting her hard.
“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,” she said.
Over on Instagram, Jennifer Hudson praised the late singer, noting in a short and sweet post: “This really hurts ! We lost a true original today. It just doesn’t seem real!! It can’t be . D’Angelo, your voice will live on forever. Rest well, King !!!”
Producer 9th Wonder shared on Instagram that news brought his to tears and that he was “broken” over the singer’s death.
Describing him as her “brother,” iconic drummer Sheila E looked back on the fun times they shared, explaining that they had “many laughs, late night goofiness.”
“I love you dearly. Rest in God’s power! Sending prayers to his son Michael and family,” she wrote in conclusion in her post to Instagram.
Speaking of, D’Angelo’s eldest son–Michael Archer Jr., with whom he shared with the late Angie Stone who unfortunately passed away earlier this year in March–also spoke out in a statement to X/Twitter.
“I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times, as it has been a very rough and sad year for me.,” he said. “I ask that you please continue to keep me in your thoughts as it will not be easy, but one thing that both my parents thought me was to be strong, and I intend to do just that.”
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