The music world just became a little less soulful today.
D’Angelo, the smooth, soul-sinning, super-talented, Grammy-winning R&B icon who helped launch the neo soul era in the ’90s, has passed away Tuesday after a battle with cancer, the singer’s family announced. He was 51.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” they said. “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.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, TMZ also reported that D’Angelo (born Michael Eugene Archer) “was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months for pancreatic cancer” the source tells PEOPLE.com.
It was just in May of 2025, that the iconic R&B artist announced through social media that he had to cancel his headlining appearance at the Roots Picnic, scheduled for May 31 and June 1 at Philly’s The Mann in Fairmount Park. The decision was made following medical advice related to an “unforeseen” delay in his surgical recovery.
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“It is with the deepest of regrets that [I] must cancel my performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia next weekend,” D’Angelo wrote in a statement shared through the Roots Picnic’s Instagram page. “But, due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I had earlier this year, [I’ve] been advised by my team of specialists that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.”
While we don’t know what that specific surgery was, more reports are coming out about it, surrounding his pancreas and surrounding organs.
Pancreatic Cancer and Black Men: The Hidden Connection
Black men have the highest age-adjusted incidence rate of pancreatic cancer among all racial groups in the United States, often being diagnosed at later stages with fewer treatment options. This disparity is linked to a combination of risk factors, including environmental and socioeconomic factors like a higher prevalence of smoking and conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which disproportionately affect Black Americans. Access to care, participation in clinical trials, and consideration of surgery are key areas for intervention.
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Risk factors
Environmental and socioeconomic factors: These are significant contributors to the higher incidence in African Americans.
Lifestyle behaviors: Higher rates of cigarette smoking among African Americans contribute to pancreatic cancer risk.
Health conditions: Obesity and diabetes are more common in Black Americans and are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms to Look for in Our Men
Pancreatic cancer symptoms in men can vary and may include:
Common Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain: Often dull, persistent, and located in the upper abdomen or back.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and urine due to bile blockage.
- Weight loss: Unexplained and significant weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting, sometimes with abdominal bloating.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
Less Common Symptoms:
- Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Diabetes: Sudden onset or worsening of diabetes.
- Constipation or diarrhea: Changes in bowel habits.
- Back pain: Pain that radiates to the back.
- Dark urine: Urine may appear darker than usual.
- Light-colored stools: Stools may appear lighter than usual.
What can be done to Protect Our Black Men
- Consult a doctor: If you are a Black man, be aware of the symptoms and discuss any concerns openly with a healthcare provider.
- Explore all treatment options: Seriously consider surgery if it is offered, as it is one of the only potential ways to cure the cancer.
- Consider clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials is associated with better outcomes. Despite the high need, Black Americans are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials.
- Advocate for palliative care: Ask your healthcare team about palliative (supportive) care options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How D’Angelo Got His Start
The Richmond-born son of a Pentecostal minister began playing the piano at the age of 3, and by 5 years old D’Angelo was playing the instrument with his father at church. A few years later, he began playing the piano at his grandfather’s Pentecostal church.
Growing up, he and his two cousins formed the group Three of a Kind and began performing at local talent shows. By 16, he formed another band called Michael Archer and Precise with his brother, Luther.
D’Angelo first broke through with the release of his debut album Brown Sugar in 1995. That album launched his first Top 10 single, “Lady,” and Brown Sugar went platinum. D’Angelo followed that up with the classic Voodoo in 2000, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s 200 albums chart and won best R&B album at the 2001 Grammy Awards. The album’s single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won for best R&B performance.
With the money he got from doing Amateur Night at the famed Apollo Theater, he returned to Richmond, bought a four-track recorder and started writing what would become one o the foundational albums that helped usher in the neo-soul movement, his 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar. Brown Sugar peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart went platinum within a year of its release. It also earned D’Angleo four Grammy Award nominations.
Led by the provocative, nearly nude video for “Untitled,” 2000’s Voodoo was a very different story. It evolved from more than three years’ worth of sessions, mainly at New York’s Electric Lady Studios, and featured an impressive roster of soul, funk, and jazz players such as Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who became D’Angelo’s musical copilot, keyboardist James Poyser, guitarist Charlie Hunter and trumpeter Roy Hargrove.
The Outpour of Love Continues on Social Media
DJ Premier, who collaborated with D’Angelo on the 1998 track “Devil’s Pie,” shared a post via X on Oct. 14 lamenting the news.
“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,” DJ Premier wrote.
D’Angelo leaves behind a son born in 1998 from his relationship with singer Angie Stone (who herself died last year), and two other children, a son and daughter.
Rest well, my brother. You are missed.
