D'Angelo dead at 51: DJ Premier, Tyler the Creator and more pay tribute

R&B legend D’Angelo has passed away at age 51, according to multiple reports.

TMZ was the first to report the news on Tuesday, October 14. The Brown Sugar hitmaker, was privately battling pancreatic cancer and reportedly passed away surrounded by loved ones.

Following the reports, his family confirmed the news to Variety in a statement.

Recently, D’Angelo — whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer — had backed out of a June performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia “due to a longer-than-expected surgical recovery.”

Further details surrounding his death have yet to be shared.

Tributes have since poured in across social media from fellow musicians and fans alike. DJ Premier wrote, “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.”

The Alchemist added, “Man. Rest in peace D’Angelo." 

Tyler, the Creator honoured him with a captionless photo.

A pioneer of neo-soul, D’Angelo burst onto the music scene in 1995 with his debut album Brown Sugar, and went on to collaborate with legends like Jay-Z, Q-Tip, and Snoop Dogg.

He earned four Grammy Awards throughout his career, including Best R&B Album for both Voodoo (2001) and Black Messiah (2016).