Iconic 1990s R&B and neo-soul singer D’Angelo has reportedly died at the age of 51. Multiple outlets, including BET News and TMZ, confirmed the news, citing sources close to his family and management. Early reports suggest the Grammy-winning artist died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
The shocking news was first shared by BET News host Marc Lamont Hill on X (formerly Twitter) on October 13, writing, “My sources tell me that D’Angelo has passed. Wow. I have no words. May he rest in perfect peace.” TMZ later corroborated the report through sources linked to the star’s family and his former manager, Kedar Massenberg. As of now, D’Angelo’s representatives have not issued an official statement.
D’Angelo Cause of Death and Final Days: Pancreatic Cancer Reports Surface
According to reports from Baller Alert and Parade, D’Angelo — born Michael Eugene Archer — had been quietly battling pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he kept out of the public eye. Details of when he was diagnosed remain unclear, but those close to the artist say he chose to fight the illness privately while continuing to focus on his music and family.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle symptoms. If confirmed, D’Angelo would join a list of other legendary artists who succumbed to the disease, including Aretha Franklin and Patrick Swayze. As of now, no official cause of death has been publicly released, but multiple credible sources have pointed to pancreatic cancer as the likely cause.
D’Angelo’s death has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among fans worldwide. Known as one of the most influential figures of the 1990s neo-soul movement, he brought a fresh, deeply emotional sound to R&B that inspired a new generation of artists. His debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), featured classics like “Lady” and “Cruisin” and established him as a defining voice of the era. His follow-up album, Voodoo (2000), cemented his legacy and earned him his first Grammy Award for the hit single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”
Over his celebrated career, D’Angelo won four Grammy Awards and was widely credited with reshaping the landscape of soul and R&B. His work has influenced artists such as Maxwell, Alicia Keys, and Frank Ocean.