Beyoncé paid an emotional and heartfelt tribute to the legendary American musician D'Angelo, honoring his monumental influence in the music world. Shortly after news broke that the four-time Grammy-winning artist had passed away at the age of 51 on Tuesday, October 14, the "Cowboy Carter" hitmaker updated her website to celebrate his extraordinary legacy.
"Rest in peace, Michael Eugene Archer, known to the global music community as the unparalleled D’Angelo," the message read, accompanied by a poignant black-and-white image of the late musician. "We are forever grateful for your exquisite music, your soulful voice, your masterful piano skills, and your unparalleled artistry."
"You were the trailblazer of neo-soul, a genre that revolutionized and forever transformed rhythm & blues," the heartfelt note concluded. "We will never forget you."
D’Angelo, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to neo-soul, succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a private battle with the illness. Reports indicate that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
In addition to Beyoncé, numerous other artists and friends from the music industry have expressed their grief over the tragic loss, including The Alchemist, DJ Premier, and Tyler, the Creator.
D’Angelo first burst onto the music scene in 1995 with his debut album, *Brown Sugar*, and went on to collaborate with music legends such as Jay-Z, Q-Tip, and Snoop Dogg. Over his illustrious three-decade career, he earned four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album for both *Voodoo* (2001) and *Black Messiah* (2016).
