Source: Reach Media / Urban One
UPDATED: 12:00 pm EST Oct. 14h, 2025
R&B and soul pioneer D’Angelo, whose music reshaped the sound of modern soul, has died at age 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer, TMZ reports.
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was more than a singer, he was a visionary who bridged gospel, funk, jazz, and hip-hop to create a sound that defined a generation. His groundbreaking debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), marked the birth of the neo-soul era, standing alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill in redefining contemporary R&B. The record sold over two million copies and produced timeless hits like “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” and “Brown Sugar.”
His 2000 follow-up, Voodoo, elevated him to legend status. The Grammy-winning album, anchored by the sensual and now-iconic “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a cultural milestone that cemented D’Angelo’s place among the greats. The project earned him two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, and remains a touchstone for artists across genres.
After a long hiatus from the public eye, D’Angelo made a powerful return with Black Messiah in 2014. The album, recorded with his band The Vanguard, fused social commentary with raw musicianship. Its themes of justice, identity, and resilience resonated deeply, earning universal acclaim and reminding the world of his unmatched artistry.
D’Angelo’s influence can be heard across today’s R&B landscape — in the soulful intimacy of Frank Ocean, the musicianship of Anderson .Paak, and the emotional depth of H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar. His commitment to authenticity, live instrumentation, and emotional truth reshaped the very soul of R&B.
Known for his quiet spirit and devotion to his craft, D’Angelo often shunned fame, letting his music speak for him. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy — one built on vulnerability, groove, and spiritual depth — will endure for generations.
Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to honor the legend, thanking him for a body of work that both soothed and inspired.
D’Angelo is survived by his children and family, who have asked for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss.
Learn more below about those in our culture who have passed away so far in 2025 below:
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Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. D’Angelo
2. Arthur Jones
3. Dr. Earl S. Richardson, Morgan State University’s 9th inaugurated president
4. Rolling Ray
5. George Raveling
6. Reggie Carroll
7. Vivian Ayers Allen
8. Dr. Danielle Spencer
9. T-Hood
10. Hitman Howie Tee
11. Rahaman Ali
12. Malcolm-Jamal Warner
13. Robbie Pardlo
14. Young Noble
15. Eddie “Supa” Lewis
16. Dave Parker
17. Walter Scott
18. Lynn Hamilton
19. Cavin Yarbrough
20. Esaw Snipes-Garner
21. Ananda Lewis
22. Sly Stone
23. Khadiyah ‘KD’ Lewis
24. Jim Marshall
25. Mike McCallum
26. Niko McKnight
27. Charles Rangel
28. Sacha Jenkins
29. Latonya Pottain
30. Rapper LGP Qua
31. John Edwards
32. Jim Dent
33. Chet Lemon
34. Clarence O. Smith
35. Dick Barnett
36. Eddie Fluellen
37. Armstead Jones
Armstead Jones, the longtime director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, died at the age of 71 just hours after publicly announcing his retirement.
38. Huey P. Williams
39. Young Scooter
40. Pastor DeJaughn William “Billy” Murphy
Born and raised in Detroit, Billy was the second oldest of five children and a third-generation pastor. He was the proud son of Bishop William H. Murphy Jr. and Elder Donna R. Murphy.
41. Mia Love
Love was the first Black Republican woman and Haitian-American in Congress. A former Saratoga Springs, UT mayor, she championed fiscal responsibility. Love passed away at 49 in 2025 after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
42. George Foreman
43. Donald “Slick” Watts
Donald “Slick” Watts, a cherished Seattle basketball figure, passed away at 73. An undrafted talent out of Xavier University of Louisiana, Watts joined the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics through a tryout arranged by coach Bill Russell. Over five seasons, he became the first player to lead the league in assists and steals in a single season (1975-76), earning First Team All-Defense honors and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Post-retirement, Watts stayed in Seattle, teaching physical education and running a basketball academy with his son. His warm presence at local games and dedication to youth cemented his enduring community legacy.
44. Anthony W. McCarthy
We are sad to report that, Anthony W. McCarthy, a brilliant communications strategist who shaped the public images of some of Maryland’s most influential figures—including Sheila Dixon, Martin O’Malley, Kweisi Mfume, and Elijah Cummings—passed away Sunday at the age of 57.
45. D’Wayne Wiggins
46. DJ Funk
DJ Funk, born Charles Chambers, was a trailblazing figure in Chicago’s underground music scene and instrumental in defining the ghetto house genre. Known for high-energy hits like “Work Dat Body” and “Pump It,” his bass-heavy sound and party-driven lyrics brought vibrancy to Midwest clubs throughout the 1990s. A leader in the house music movement, DJ Funk solidified his legacy on labels like Dance Mania, which he later owned. Sadly, he passed away at 54 from stage 4 cancer.
47. Luther Keith
48. Harry Elston
Harry Elston, founder of the Friends of Distinction and the voice behind iconic hits like “Grazing in the Grass” and “Going in Circles,” has passed away at 86. Elston formed the group in 1968, delivering a unique blend of pop and soul with unforgettable harmonies. Their music, including hits like “Love or Let Me Be Lonely,” graced the charts in the late 60s and early 70s. Managed by NFL star Jim Brown, the group became a vital part of the California soul sound. Elston’s influence extended beyond his vibrant musical career, earning admiration for his kindness, optimism, and lasting legacy in soul music.
49. Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the iconic jazz vibraphonist celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to jazz-funk and neo-soul, passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.
50. Sylvester Turner
A Houston native, Turner began his career in law after graduating from Harvard Law School. In 1983 he founded Barnes & Turner, his own law firm in addition to his duties as a professor and lecturer at several law schools.
His move to the political arena would see Turner serve two terms as mayor of the City of Houston after being elected in 2016.
51. Angie Stone
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Angie Stone was killed in an auto accident Saturday morning (March 1) at the age of 63. Her daughter, Diamond, confirmed the news on social media, simply saying “My Mommy is gone.” The singer’s rep, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed to TMZ that the singer was killed on her way home from a show in Montgomery, Alabama.
52. Dr. Alvin Poussaint
Dr. Alvin Poussaint studied the tendrils of systemic racism and Black self-sufficiency along with serving as a consultant to hit TV shows.
53. Chris Jasper
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers’ success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
54. Kevin Braswell
55. Roberta Flack
56. Gwen McCrae
57. Voletta Wallace
58. Jerry “Iceman” Butler
Jerry initially gained fame as the lead singer of the R&B group The Impressions, a groundbreaking act that included iconic names like Curtis Mayfield. Together, they created influential tracks such as 1958’s “For Your Precious Love,” which Butler co-wrote and which became their defining hit.
59. Chelsea Reject
Chelsea Reject, born Chelsea Alexander, was a Brooklyn-based indie rapper known for her introspective lyrics and experimental artistry. Emerging in the 2010s, she gained recognition with her mixtape “Cmplx,” collaborating with members of Pro Era and sharing stages with artists like Mobb Deep and Talib Kweli. Her music often reflected themes of anxiety, self-discovery, and resilience, blending laid-back production with fiery energy.
Chelsea was also celebrated for her independent spirit, self-releasing projects like “This Is Not My Final Form” and touring internationally. Her work resonated with fans for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her a prominent figure in New York City’s underground rap scene.
60. Gene “Groove” Allen
Gene “Groove” Allen, a Hip-Hop pioneer and actor, gained fame as part of Groove B. Chill, known for their 1990 album Starting From Zero. He shone in cult classics House Party and its sequel, blending music and film.
61. Tim Tooten, Beloved Baltimore Journalist
Source:The Baltimore Banner
Tim Tooten, one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region, retired in 2023 after 35 years with WBAL and more than 40 years in journalism. tim tooten,one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region,retired in 2023 after 35 years with wbal and more than 40 years in journalism.
62. Irv Gotti
Source:Getty
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
63. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr
Stewart, Jr. was a retired U.S. Air Force officer and one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Born on July 4, 1924, Stewart served during World War II as a fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the “Red Tails.”
64. DJ Unk
65. Reatha “Rose” Grey
66. Yolanda Halley
67. Barry Michael Cooper
Journalist and author Barry Michael Cooper wrote the films New Jack City (1991) , Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994)
68. Former NBA All-Star Gus Williams
Williams received the nickname “The Wizard” for his dazzling ball-handling and quick drives. Over his career, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game with two All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors.
69. Actress Dalyce Curry
Dalyce Curry was an actress known for her role in “Blues Brothers.” She recently passed away at the age of 95 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Her remains were found at her home in Altadena, California
70. Sam Moore
Born in Miami, Florida, in October 1935, Moore grew up immersed in gospel music, singing in church choirs before his path led him to rhythm and blues. His life changed in the early 1960s when he met Dave Prater at a Miami nightclub. Together, they formed Sam & Dave, and the pair quickly became a driving force in soul music. Signed to the legendary Stax Records, their partnership with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in some of the genre’s most enduring classics.
71. Singer, Brenton Wood
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s family relocated to California, where his artistic talents blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his unique blend of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics brought a fresh vibrancy to the R&B genre. His work captured universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wood rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.”
