Tributes have flooded in for R&B and soul singer D'Angelo, following his death aged 51 after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Singer Lauryn Hill hailed her former collaborator a "genius". She duetted with D'Angelo, whose real name was Michael Archer, on the soulful ballad Nothing Even Matters from her best-known album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (1998).
In a post on Instagram, the former Fugees member said: "I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God.
"You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius. Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.
"Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed.
"You imaged a unity of strength and sensitivity in black manhood to a generation that only saw itself as having to be one or the other. It is my earnest prayer that you are in peace, far away from selfishness, fear and/or controlling interests.
"Far from possessiveness, far from greed, far from manipulation, far from exploitation, far from intentionally designed chaos and that you Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfilment with our father in heaven.
"I love you and I miss you. May God grant peace and shelter to your family, true friends and genuine appreciators.
Also paying tribute to the Grammy-winner was Elton John, who said in a post on social media: "So sad to hear the news of D'Angelo’s passing.
"He was inspirational, his three albums are perfection, he was the inventor of neo soul and has been a huge influence to so many artists.
"A sad day. May his music live on forever."
In a tribute on Instagram, singer Justin Timberlake said hearing Brown Sugar for the first time was "the most pivotal moment in establishing confidence in my own voice".
He said: "You took R&B and put it all in capitals, meshed it with something else and changed the landscape, made it something more.
"Your contribution will always be remembered."
DJ Premier of hip-hop duo Gang Starr also paid tribute to the late singer.
Writing on X, he said, "Such a sad loss to the passing of D'Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D' Love You KING."
Such a sad loss to the passing of D'angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D'
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 14, 2025
Love You KING 🫡🤍🕊️🙏🏾
Singer Paloma Faith said in a post on Instagram: "Rest in peace D'Angelo. Nothing will describe the impact you had on my life.
"You were the soundtrack to my youth, a way for me to free my individuality, a language of expression, a way of life. You inspired me musically, spiritually. I felt silently defined by you. Thank you for all you gave us. What a hero."
In a statement shared with the US music industry publication Billboard, D'Angelo's family said: "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, Oct. 14, 2025."
"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 statement continued.
"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."
Virginia-born D'Angelo released his Grammy-nominated debut album, Brown Sugar, in 1995.
The follow-up, Voodoo, saw him winning Grammys for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
His third and final studio album, Black Messiah, which was credited to D'Angelo and the Vanguard, was released in 2015.
It won the Grammy for Best R&B Album and the Grammy for Best R&B Song for Really Love.
