D’ANGELO, GRAMMY-WINNING R&B ARTIST FAMED FOR UNTITLED (HOW DOES IT FEEL), DIES. (PHOTO).

   D’Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B artist famed for Untitled (How Does It Feel), dies

D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&B singer celebrated for his raspy yet smooth voice and the iconic, shirtless music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” has died at 51 after a long battle with cancer, his family said Tuesday. They described him as “a shining star of our family” and expressed gratitude for the “legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”

Born Michael Eugene Archer in Virginia, D’Angelo helped define the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, blending hip-hop grit, gospel-rooted emotion, and classic soul. His 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, went platinum and produced hits like “Lady” and the title track, earning him multiple Grammy nominations. His 2000 follow-up, Voodoo, propelled by the sultry single “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” topped the Billboard 200 and won a Grammy for best R&B album, while the single won best male R&B vocal performance. Known for his devotion to artistry over commercial success, D’Angelo often spoke about the need for creative integrity and solitude amid fame.

Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with a range of artists, including Lauryn Hill on “Nothing Even Matters” and The Roots on Illadelph Halflife. He was part of the supergroup Black Men United, writing and co-producing the 1994 single “U Will Know.” Beyond his professional achievements, he shared a personal life with fellow singer Angie Stone, with whom he had a son, Michael Archer Jr., also known as Swayvo Twain. He is also survived by a daughter, Imani Archer, who is pursuing a music career.

After stepping away from the spotlight following Voodoo, D’Angelo returned in 2014 with Black Messiah, a politically charged album that reflected nationwide protests and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and earned him a Grammy for best R&B album, while the single “Really Love” won best R&B song. His influence extended far beyond chart success, inspiring artists including Maxwell, Alicia Keys, and Frank Ocean. Earlier this year, he withdrew from headlining the 2025 Roots Picnic due to medical complications from surgery, demonstrating the ongoing impact of his health struggles.

D’Angelo’s discography includes classics such as “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine,” “Cruisin’,” and “Devil’s Pie,” leaving behind a legacy that reshaped R&B and neo-soul, combining emotional depth, technical skill, and a signature sensuality that captivated audiences worldwide.