D’Angelo, a trailblazer in the neo-soul genre, has passed away at 51 following a “prolonged and courageous” battle with cancer, his family has announced.
The acclaimed musician, who won multiple Grammy awards, died on Tuesday, October 14. It has been reported that pancreatic cancer was the cause of his death.
D’Angelo was a key player in the rise of the neo-soul movement, blending soul, funk, jazz, and R&B into his music.
He achieved fame with his first album, “Brown Sugar,” released in 1995, which attained platinum status.
His follow-up album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000, featured the popular track “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The song’s minimalist music video significantly contributed to his rise in fame.
D’Angelo collaborated with artists such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and his former partner Angie Stone, with whom he had a son. Tragically, Stone died earlier this year in a car accident at the age of 63.
In a statement to Variety, D’Angelo’s family shared, “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, October 14th, 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.”
They 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.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 67,440 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, accounting for 3.3 percent of all new cancer diagnoses.
The pancreas plays a crucial role in producing enzymes for digestion and hormones for blood sugar regulation.
Located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach, and in front of the spine, the pancreas is vulnerable to certain types of cancer. The Mayo Clinic states that the most common form of pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that transport digestive enzymes, known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as “the silent killer” because symptoms usually appear only after the cancer has spread, making early detection difficult, as noted by the Royal College of Nursing magazine.
Despite the late onset of symptoms, it is crucial to be aware of them. Mayo Clinic lists 10 primary symptoms to watch for, many of which might be mistaken for less serious conditions or lifestyle issues.
Symptoms include abdominal pain radiating to the back or sides, appetite loss, and weight loss. Fatigue, weakness, and itching are also potential indicators.
Changes in bathroom habits, like light-colored or floating stools and dark urine, can signal an issue.
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, occurs when cancer blocks the bile duct, leading to a bilirubin buildup in the blood, explains Pancreatic Cancer UK.
A new or worsening diabetes diagnosis is another warning sign, as this condition results from high blood sugar due to insufficient or ineffective insulin.
Finally, pain and swelling in an arm or leg, possibly due to a blood clot, should not be ignored.
If you have any concerns, it is important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.