D’Angelo, the celebrated Grammy-winning R&B artist known for his distinctive raspy yet smooth voice, has passed away at the age of 51. The singer, whose birth name was Michael Eugene Archer, died on Tuesday following a long struggle with cancer, as confirmed by a statement from his family. They described him as "a shining star of our family" whose light has dimmed, while expressing their eternal gratitude for the remarkable legacy of music he leaves behind.

D’Angelo played a pivotal role in the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, skillfully blending elements of hip-hop, soul, and gospel. Earlier this year, he marked the 30th anniversary of his debut studio album, "Brown Sugar," released in 1995. This platinum-selling album featured iconic tracks such as "Lady" and its title track, which garnered him multiple Grammy nominations and established him as one of R&B's most original voices.

The singer's sultry vocal style, characterized by a raspy texture alongside church-derived fluidity, set him apart in the music industry. This signature voice became synonymous with the visuals of his provocative 2000 single "Untitled (How Does It Feel)." The music video, which featured D’Angelo shirtless, became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about artistry, sexuality, and vulnerability in the representation of Black men. The song won D’Angelo a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and propelled his second album, "Voodoo," to the top of the Billboard 200, earning the Grammy for Best R&B Album.

In addition to his solo work, D’Angelo's artistic contributions extended through collaborations. He notably partnered with Lauryn Hill on the soulful track "Nothing Even Matters," a standout from Hill's acclaimed 1998 album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." D’Angelo also contributed to The Roots' 1996 project "Illadelph Halflife" and collaborated with the supergroup Black Men United, which produced the song "U Will Know" for the 1994 film "Jason’s Lyric," a piece that he wrote and co-produced.

During the 1990s, D’Angelo was in a relationship with the Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone, whom he met while he was finalizing "Brown Sugar." Their bond was deepened by their common Southern upbringing and shared church backgrounds. Stone collaborated on D’Angelo’s debut album and they co-wrote the song "Everyday" for her debut album, "Black Diamond," released in 1999. In 1999, Stone described D’Angelo as her "musical soul mate," emphasizing the unique creative chemistry they shared, which she likened to "milk and cereal"—natural and magical.

The couple had one son together, Swayvo Twain, also known as Michael Archer Jr. Tragically, Stone died earlier this year in a car accident at the age of 63. D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer.

As fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of D’Angelo, they reflect on his significant influence in music and culture, underscoring the profound impact he made through his innovative sound and memorable performances.