Beyoncé Pays Tribute to D’Angelo as ‘The Pioneer of Neo-Soul’: ‘We Will Never Forget You’

Beyoncé paid homage to D’Angelo on Tuesday (Oct. 14) following his death from pancreatic cancer.

“Rest in peace, Michael Eugene Archer, known to the world of music as the inimitable D’Angelo,” she wrote on her website while sharing a black-and-white photo of him. “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry. You were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.”

D’Angelo’s family confirmed in a statement to Billboard that he died at 51 years old on Tuesday.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, Oct. 14, 2025,” the statement reads. “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

Tyler, the Creator also posted a lengthy tribute to the late R&B legend on Instagram, telling the story about how he used the $20 he got on his 9th birthday to buy D’Angelo’s 2000 sophomore album Voodoo. “Citas world had ‘left&right’ on loop; brown sugar became a staple at home and nothing even matters by ms.hill was on repeat, so i had no doubt that voodoo would deliver. i had no idea that would help shape my musical dna,” he wrote. “The amount of raps ive wrote to BOOTY on the front porch that year, the amount of times ive tried to mimic vocal phrasing from SEND IT ON, the scratches the disc ended up with from repeating THE ROOT……too many.”

The rapper also wrote about how “One Mo’Gin” from Voodoo inspired “Ring Ring Ring” from Tyler’s latest Billboard 200-topping album Don’t Tap the Glass, including the pre-chorus: “I know you said not to call you again, but I miss you/ And I hope I can see you one more gin ’cause I miss you.”

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.