D’Angelo, the four-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer who helped define and elevate the ‘90s neo-soul movement, has reportedly passed away at the age of 51. Known for his velvet vocals, genre-blending sound, and deeply spiritual artistry, D’Angelo was more than a musician; he was a cultural force.
Often mentioned in the same breath as 90s neo-soul heavyweights like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and the late Angie Stone, D’Angelo didn’t just contribute to the genre—he helped invent it. D’Angelo songs brought soul back to its essence: raw, vulnerable, and spiritually rooted, while fusing elements of gospel, jazz, funk, and hip-hop into something uniquely his own.
A Life Rooted in Spirit and Sound
Born Michael Eugene Archer in 1974 in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was raised in a deeply religious Pentecostal family on the city’s Southside. Both his father and grandfather were preachers, and it was in church that his lifelong relationship with music began.
According to OkayPlayer, by the age of five, he was playing organ alongside his father, Luther Archer Sr., during church services. A few years later, while living with his mother, he continued developing his skills on piano at his grandfather Elder Linberg Cox’s church, Refuge Assembly. During his preteen and teen years, his musical world began to expand. Inspired by icons like Prince, D’Angelo sharpened his artistry and formed a trio with his cousins called Three of a Kind, frequently winning local talent shows in Richmond. At 16, he launched another group—Michael Archer and Precise—with support from his older brother, Luther.
A pivotal moment came in 1991 when D’Angelo performed at Amateur Night at the Apollo. Though he didn’t win initially, he returned and claimed victory later that year. He used his winnings to buy the keyboard and four-track recorder that would help shape the early demos of his first album, Brown Sugar, in 1995, a project that helped give birth to the Neo-Soul genre we know and love today.
From breaking Billboard charts to his triumphant 2014 return with Black Messiah, D’Angelo left behind a catalog that redefined modern soul. Below are 10 essential tracks that capture the heart of his legacy and helped shape one of neo-soul’s true architects. Read them after the flip.
4. “Send It On”
Album: Voodoo (2000)
After a five-year hiatus from the music industry, D’Angelo returned with full force in 2000, with the debut of his sophomore album Voodoo, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned him a Grammy in 2001 for Best R&B Album.
“Send It On,” a standout from the project, is D’Angelo at his most tender and spiritually grounded. The gospel undertones, soft harmonies, and lush rhythm section turned this love song into a healing anthem. It’s a soulful call for emotional connection and grace.
10. “Really Love”
Album: Black Messiah (2014)
After a 14-year hiatus, D’Angelo returned with Black Messiah, and “Really Love” was the centerpiece. Its flamenco guitar intro, orchestral strings, and whispered confessions made it an instant classic. It won a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2016, with the album itself earning a Grammy for Best R&B Album. It reminded the world that D’Angelo hadn’t lost an ounce of brilliance.
From Brown Sugar to Black Messiah, D’Angelo’s music remains unmatched in its emotional depth, musicality, and cultural impact. His catalog isn’t just a discography; it’s a blueprint for modern soul, and we’ll miss him dearly for his legendary work and impact.
Which D’Angelo song changed the way you hear neo-soul music? Drop it in the comments section and let’s pay homage to his incredible music.