Emotional words after D’Angelo’s death: Stars like Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill and Tyler, The Creator say goodbye to the “Voodoo” artist.
D’Angelo’s death caused great sadness in the music world. Many well-known artists were shocked and emphasized the importance that the R&B artist had for them.
Editorial recommendations
Beyoncé: “You were the pioneer of neo-soul”
Beyoncé paid tribute to D’Angelo on hers website as a “pioneer of neo-soul”: “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your piano skills, your artistry. You were the pioneer of neo-soul, and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.”
Tyler, The Creator: “This man helped shape my musical DNA”
Tyler, The Creator emphasized how influential D’Angelo was on his own music. He wrote on Instagram that he bought the record “Voodoo” with his birthday money on his ninth birthday: “I’m so lucky to have gotten my copy of ‘Voodoo’ when I got it. We’re so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. This man helped shape my musical DNA. I’m forever grateful to him. Have a safe trip.”
Nile Rodgers: “He was brilliant”
Nile Rodgers was also deeply affected and recalled their first meeting on
The Chic co-founder continued, “At the end of the encounter he asked me, ‘What should I do with this?’ I still remember it like it was yesterday. I said, ‘Publish it. It’s perfect!’” About a year later, Rodgers said, he heard one of those songs on the radio. “It was brilliant and exactly what he played for me. I still remember it… I still have the original tape.”
Lauryn Hill: “A presence that is out of this world”
Lauryn Hill wrote of D’Angelo on Instagram: “I regret not having had more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were out of this world, and an out-of-this-world presence needs protection in a world hungry for light and God’s anointing. You, sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired us, and even intimidated others into action with your genius.”
The singer added: “You imagined black masculinity as a unity of strength and sensitivity for a generation that only saw itself in the situation of having to be one or the other.”
Jamie Foxx: “He is chosen”
Jamie Foxx wrote: “I remember hearing your music for the first time… I said to myself, Damn, whoever this is, he’s chosen… When I finally got the chance to see you… Like everyone who has seen the most incredible music video of our time, I was blown away… I thought to myself, I have to see this person in concert.”
The actor and musician continued, “I had my chance to see you at the House of Blues…You came out and hit the ground running…Your voice was silky and flawless…I was quite jealous of your style and swag…I was also in pure awe of your talent…You play every instrument and show off your skills in every note and song.”
Flea: “One of my absolute favorite artists”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were also affected by D’Angelo’s death. “One of my absolute favorite artists whose records I listen to over and over again,” Flea said on Instagram. “No one has done anything funkier in the last 30 years. I didn’t know him, but his music impressed me. What a rare and beautiful voice and an inimitable approach to songwriting. What a musician!!!”
D’Angelo, born Michael Archer in 1974 in the US state of Virginia, died of cancer on October 14th at the age of 51. He gained worldwide fame with his 2000 song “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and became an influential figure in neo-soul. His debut album “Brown Sugar” was released in 1995 and was nominated for several Grammys.