R&amp;B and neo-soul icon D&rsquo;Angelo has died at the age of 51 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday, October 14. The Grammy-winning artist passed away peacefully in New York City, surrounded by his loved ones.
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D&rsquo;Angelo was known for shaping the sound of modern R&amp;B with his soulful voice, smooth grooves, and heartfelt lyrics. He was one of the most influential artists of the 1990s and 2000s, helping define the neo-soul movement alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell.
D&rsquo;Angelo rose to fame in 1995 with his debut album Brown Sugar, which featured the hit songs 'Lady,' 'Cruisin,&rsquo; ' and 'Brown Sugar.' His sound&mdash;rooted in classic soul but with a fresh, modern edge&mdash;captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Though D&rsquo;Angelo never released another full album after 'Black Messiah,' he continued to work on music quietly. His final known recording was the 2024 track 'I Want You Forever' with Jay-Z, featured on The Book of Clarence soundtrack.&nbsp;
In a statement, his family said, &ldquo;We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved D&rsquo;Angelo. His music touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.&rdquo;
D&rsquo;Angelo&rsquo;s death marks the end of an era in soul and R&amp;B music, but his impact will live on through the songs and spirit he left behind.