D’Angelo has died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer

American R&B and neo-soul legend D’Angelo has died aged 51.

His family have confirmed the news to Variety, saying: “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life … After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.”

His passing this morning in New York was previously reported by TMZ, with pancreatic cancer given as the cause of death.

The beloved musician, born Michael Eugene Archer in Virginia, was heralded as a pioneer of the neo soul movement and stands as one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation.

He released his debut album ‘Brown Sugar’ in 1995, which earned him three GRAMMY nominations and grew into a word of mouth sensation, ultimately being certified platinum in the US with estimated sales to date totalling around 1.5-2 million.

His follow-up album ‘Voodoo’ landed in 2000 and his third and final LP ‘Black Messiah’ came out in 2014. They were met with universal acclaim, landing him four GRAMMY Awards in total, including Best R&B Album for each.

Various sources, including D’Angelo himself, had confirmed he was working on a new album in the years since ‘Black Messiah’, the most recent being songwriter and record producer Raphael Saadiq in 2024.

His last single to be released was 'Unshaken' in 2019, which featured on the game Red Dead Redemption 2, while he's also featured on tracks with the likes of GZA, Erykah Badu and Jay-Z in the years since.

Across his career he also collaborated with artists such as Lauryn Hill, on the GRAMMY-nominated 'Nothing Even Matters' from ' The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill', and former partner Angie Stone, who he fathered a son, Michael D'Angelo Archer II, with in 1998. Stone also died earlier this year in a car crash.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children: sons Michael D'Angelo Archer II and Morocco Archer and daughter Imani Archer.

In the full statement sent to Variety, his family added: “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. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

Tributes have pour in from the music world. Read some below.