In the ever-evolving landscape of R&B and soul music, few artists have left an imprint as profound and enigmatic as DAngelo. Born Michael Eugene Archer, the singer—often stylized as D’Angelo, DAngelo, or D Angelo—redefined sensuality and innovation in neo-soul with his velvet falsetto and genre-bending sound.

From the sultry grooves of “Brown Sugar” to the hypnotic plea of “D’Angelo How Does It Feel” in his iconic track “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” D’Angelo’s music pulsed with raw emotion and timeless appeal. But today, on October 14, 2025, the world mourns the loss of this musical visionary,

who passed away at 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. As tributes flood in from fans and peers alike, including fellow neo-soul pioneer Maxwell, we revisit D’Angelo’s extraordinary journey, his collaborations with Angie Stone, his estimated D’Angelo net worth, and the lingering questions around D’Angelo cause of death and Deangelo passed away rumors that have gripped headlines.

This comprehensive tribute explores the life of Michael D’Angelo Archer, the man behind the moniker, delving into his early years, chart-topping hits, personal triumphs and struggles, and the indelible mark he left on music. Whether you’re searching for D’Angelo news, details on singer Deangelo’s family, or reflections on how Deangelo died, this piece honors his legacy while addressing the heartbreak of his final days.

The Early Years of Michael Eugene Archer: From Prodigy to D’Angelo Singer

Michael Eugene Archer, better known as D’Angelo or simply Deangelo the singer, entered the world on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia—a city steeped in Southern soul traditions. Raised in a Pentecostal family, young Michael’s exposure to gospel music at church laid the foundation for his emotive vocal style.

By age three, he was already tickling the ivories on a piano, mimicking the impassioned hymns that echoed through his childhood home. His father, a Pentecostal minister, and his mother, a church pianist, nurtured this innate talent, but it was the secular sounds of icons like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Prince that ignited Michael’s rebellious artistic fire.

As a teenager, D’Angelo formed his first band, Michael Archer and the Precisions, blending gospel harmonies with funk and R&B. This period marked the genesis of his signature sound: a fusion of soulful introspection and hip-hop edge that would later define neo-soul.

By 18, he was writing and producing tracks for local acts, honing his multi-instrumentalist skills on guitar, drums, and keyboards. His breakthrough came in 1994 when he co-produced “U Will Know” for the R&B supergroup Black Men United, a track that showcased his arranging prowess and caught the ear of industry heavyweights.

D’Angelo’s rise wasn’t meteoric but methodical. Heavily influenced by Prince—whose androgynous sensuality and genre-defying experimentation mirrored his own—Michael Eugene Archer adopted the stage name D’Angelo, a nod to the archangel’s ethereal grace.

This moniker, often misspelled as DAngelo or D Angelo in early press, became synonymous with a new wave of Black artistry that rejected commercial polish for authentic vulnerability. As D’Angelo singer, he wasn’t just performing; he was resurrecting soul’s spirit in an era dominated by gangsta rap and boy bands.

Breakthrough with Brown Sugar: D’Angelo’s Debut and the Birth of Neo-Soul

1995 was a watershed year for D’Angelo. Signed to CoolTempo Records (a subsidiary of EMI), he released his debut album, Brown Sugar, at just 21 years old. The title track, a sultry ode to love and indulgence, set the tone for an album that blended live instrumentation with hip-hop beats, earning comparisons to Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder.

Propelled by hits like “Lady”—which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart—Brown Sugar went double platinum, selling over two million copies.

Critics hailed D’Angelo as the heir to soul’s throne. Rolling Stone praised his “falsetto wails that build to ecstatic heights,” while The New York Times noted how he “melded the sweetly seductive melodies of classic singers with the urgency of hip-hop.”

This era also saw the formation of the Soulquarians collective—a loose alliance of artists including Questlove, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and Common—where D’Angelo’s collaborative ethos shone. His work on Badu’s Baduizm and Common’s Like Water for Chocolate solidified his role as neo-soul’s architect.

Yet, beneath the acclaim lay the seeds of D’Angelo’s reclusiveness. The pressure of fame, coupled with personal demons like substance abuse, began to surface. Still, Brown Sugar established D’Angelo net worth foundations, with royalties and tours boosting his early finances to seven figures. It was a testament to his genius: music that felt intimate, like a late-night confession, yet universally resonant.

Voodoo and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”: D’Angelo How Does It Feel in the Spotlight

If Brown Sugar introduced D’Angelo, 2000’s Voodoo immortalized him. Released after a five-year hiatus, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 320,000 copies in its first week. Co-produced with Questlove and J Dilla, Voodoo was a sonic tapestry of live basslines, layered vocals, and psychedelic funk. Tracks like “Playa Playa” and “The Line” pulsed with erotic tension, but it was the lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” that catapulted D’Angelo into pop culture legend status.

D’Angelo How Does It Feel? The song’s title, drawn from its pleading chorus—”How does it feel? / When you hold me?”—encapsulated a raw yearning for connection. Originally a tribute to Prince, it featured Raphael Saadiq on bass and a six-eight time signature that evoked vintage soul.

Peaking at No. 25 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on R&B charts, it won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. But the video—directed by Paul Hunter—stole the show. Shot in one take against a black backdrop, it showed a shirtless, nude-appearing D’Angelo (via clever lighting) in a display of beefcake sensuality that sparked both adoration and objectification.

The clip, which amassed millions of MTV plays, turned D’Angelo into a sex symbol overnight. Women swooned; critics debated its feminism. As D’Angelo later reflected in interviews, “We made this video for women… to feel one-on-one.” Yet, the backlash haunted him. The hyper-sexualization clashed with his artistic depth, contributing to a decade-long retreat from the spotlight. Voodoo earned Album of the Year nods but also highlighted D’Angelo’s internal conflict: fame’s double-edged sword.

Personal Life and Collaborations: Angie Stone, Maxwell, and Family Bonds

D’Angelo’s personal world was as rich as his music. In the late ’90s, he began a relationship with fellow R&B songbird Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated artist known for hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.” Their romance birthed a son, Michael Archer II (born 1998), and fruitful collaborations. Stone featured on D’Angelo’s live album Live at the Jazz Cafe (1998),

trading vocals on covers like “Cruisin'” and “Can’t Hide Love.” She also co-wrote tracks for Voodoo, infusing it with her soulful warmth. Their bond, though it ended amicably, produced magic—Angie Stone’s husky timbre complementing D’Angelo’s falsetto in a way that echoed Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Tragically, Angie Stone death cast a long shadow over D’Angelo’s final years. On March 1, 2025, the 63-year-old singer perished in a devastating car crash on Interstate 65 near Montgomery, Alabama. Riding in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van after a performance, the vehicle overturned and was struck by an 18-wheeler.

Stone was the sole fatality among passengers, sparking Angie Stone death rumors and conspiracy theories online. A September 2025 wrongful death lawsuit filed by her family alleged she survived the initial wreck and attempted to escape before the fatal impact,

fueling speculation of foul play tied to her disputes with Universal Music Group over royalties. Despite the grief—exacerbated by hoaxes like 2023’s false Angie Stone death alerts—D’Angelo remained private, channeling pain into unreleased work.

D’Angelo’s ties to Maxwell ran deeper than romance; they were fraternal rivals in neo-soul. Both hailed from Virginia (Maxwell from Brooklyn via Petersburg), sharing a penchant for live instrumentation and emotional baritone. Fans often pitted them in hypothetical battles—D’Angelo’s raw edge vs. Maxwell’s polished falsetto. In 2021,

a Verzuz showdown between D’Angelo and Maxwell was planned for Valentine’s Day but fell through due to scheduling. Swizz Beatz later revealed it “didn’t work out,” leaving fans to imagine a clash of titans. Maxwell, whose Urban Hang Suite (1996) paralleled Brown Sugar, paid early tribute to D’Angelo, calling him “the blueprint.” Their mutual respect underscored neo-soul’s collaborative spirit.

D’Angelo was a devoted father to three children: son Michael II with Stone, another son, and a daughter. He kept family sacred, shielding them from paparazzi glare. Yet, struggles with addiction and depression led to legal troubles, including a 2005 marijuana arrest. D’Angelo net worth during this period dipped, estimated at $1-2 million from royalties, but his resilience shone through.

The Reclusive Years and Black Messiah: D’Angelo’s Triumphant Return

Post-Voodoo, D’Angelo vanished. The “Untitled” video’s fallout, coupled with label pressures and personal losses, triggered a 14-year silence. He decamped to Richmond, battling demons in anonymity—rumors swirled of homelessness and isolation. Yet, whispers of new music persisted. Collaborations trickled: guest spots on The Roots’ Phrenology (2002) and contributions to The Education of Lauryn Hill (1998).

In 2010, D’Angelo resurfaced with sparse performances, teasing tracks at small venues. The turning point came in 2014 with Black Messiah, surprise-dropped on December 15 amid Ferguson unrest. Recorded with The Vanguard (including Isaiah Sharkey and Kendra Williams), it was a protest album wrapped in funk—opener “Ain’t That Easy” railed against complacency, while “Really Love” evoked Voodoo‘s intimacy. Critics adored it: Pitchfork gave it 9.1/10, calling it “a masterpiece of tension and release.” It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, earning a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

Black Messiah reaffirmed D’Angelo’s genius. At 40, he toured sporadically, sharing stages with The Roots and Anderson .Paak. D’Angelo news from this era focused on redemption: sober, reflective, and committed to legacy. Rumors of a fourth album, hinted by Raphael Saadiq in 2024, kept fans hopeful.

The Final Chapter: D’Angelo Death, Deangelo Died, and Pancreatic Cancer Battle

On October 14, 2025, the music world shattered. D’Angelo—Michael D’Angelo Archer—died at his New York City home at 51. His family confirmed the news in a poignant statement: “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce… D’Angelo has been called home.”

Sources, including TMZ and Rolling Stone, revealed the cause: pancreatic cancer, diagnosed months earlier but kept private. D’Angelo cause of death details emerged swiftly— he’d undergone surgery earlier in 2025, forcing a Roots Picnic cancellation in May. Symptoms like unexplained weight loss and fatigue, hallmarks of this aggressive disease, had been concealed behind his reclusive nature.

Pancreatic cancer’s stealthy progression—often undetected until advanced stages—mirrors D’Angelo’s own elusiveness. Affecting the pancreas’s enzyme and hormone production, it claims lives silently, with a five-year survival rate under 10%. D’Angelo’s battle,

spanning several months, ended peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Deangelo died without fanfare, true to form, but D’Angelo death sent shockwaves. Social media erupted with #RIPDAngelo, amassing billions of views. How did Deangelo die? Not in scandal, but in quiet dignity, leaving a void.

Compounding the sorrow: son Michael II, now 27, lost both parents in 2025. Angie Stone’s March passing amplified the tragedy, with her lawsuit’s revelations adding layers of grief. D’Angelo’s other children issued a joint statement: “Dad’s light dims, but his music endures.”

Tributes from Peers: Maxwell, Questlove, and the Neo-Soul Family

D’Angelo news spread like wildfire, eliciting raw tributes. Maxwell, his near-miss Verzuz partner, posted on Instagram: “Brother, your soul touched mine. Rest in that eternal groove.” Questlove, Soulquarians linchpin, shared a tearful thread: “D was the frequency we all tuned to. Black Messiah was prophecy.” DJ Premier mourned: “Gonna miss you so much, KING.” Tyler, The Creator simply shared a black-and-white photo, captioned with a broken heart.

Erykah Badu reflected: “He taught us to feel deeply.” Even non-peers like Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz weighed in, underscoring D’Angelo’s cross-generational pull. Deangelo passed away rumors, once dismissed as hoaxes (like August 2025’s false alert), now feel cruelly prophetic.

D’Angelo Net Worth at Death: A Modest Fortune Reflecting Artistic Purity

At his passing, D’Angelo net worth stood at approximately $1 million, per Celebrity Net Worth and Finance Monthly. Modest for a Grammy winner, it stemmed from album sales (over 5 million worldwide), royalties from Voodoo and Black Messiah, and sparse touring. No lavish estates or endorsements—D’Angelo shunned commercialization, prioritizing art over accumulation. His estate, including unreleased tracks, could swell via streaming (Spotify streams hit 500 million posthumously) and licensing. Compared to Maxwell’s $10 million, it highlights D’Angelo’s anti-materialist ethos: wealth in influence, not dollars.

Legacy and Influence: Why D’Angelo’s Music Endures Beyond Deangelo the Singer

D’Angelo’s oeuvre—three albums, yet seismic impact—reverberates. He birthed neo-soul, influencing Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, and SZA. Brown Sugar (1995) and Voodoo (2000) are canonical; Black Messiah (2014) a modern gospel. Collaborations with Angie Stone and Maxwell wove him into R&B’s fabric.

As singer Deangelo, he embodied vulnerability: falsetto pleas in “D’Angelo How Does It Feel” echoing lovers’ whispers. His death from pancreatic cancer robs us of more, but his gift—music that feels like skin on skin—lives eternal. In a 2010 interview, D’Angelo said, “I want my music to heal.” It has, and it will.

In closing, as we grapple with D’Angelo death and Angie Stone death’s double blow, let’s celebrate Michael D’Angelo Archer. Stream “Untitled,” feel that groove, and remember: heaven must be like this.

This article draws from verified reports as of October 14, 2025. Our thoughts are with D’Angelo’s family during this time.

Pros and Cons of D’Angelo’s Musical Legacy and Career Choices

Michael Eugene Archer, known as D’Angelo, revolutionized neo-soul with his innovative sound and profound influence. However, his reclusive nature, personal struggles, and untimely death from pancreatic cancer on October 14, 2025, at age 51, invite a balanced examination. This analysis weighs the pros (positive impacts and strengths) and cons (challenges and criticisms) of D’Angelo’s approach as a singer, his artistic decisions, and the broader implications of his life and work, including collaborations with Angie Stone and peers like Maxwell.

Pros: The Enduring Strengths of D’Angelo’s Artistic Vision

1. Pioneering Neo-Soul and Genre Innovation

• Revolutionizing R&B: D’Angelo’s fusion of classic soul, funk, hip-hop, and live instrumentation in albums like Brown Sugar (1995) and Voodoo (2000) birthed neo-soul, influencing artists from Maxwell to Frank Ocean. Tracks like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”—with its hypnotic groove and falsetto—earned Grammy wins and redefined sensuality in music, proving D’Angelo how does it feel to create timeless hits.
• Authenticity Over Commercialism: By prioritizing artistic integrity, D’Angelo singer avoided formulaic pop, fostering a movement via the Soulquarians collective. His work with Questlove and J Dilla emphasized organic production, inspiring a generation to value vulnerability and experimentation.

2. Profound Cultural and Emotional Impact

• Empowering Black Artistry: As Michael D’Angelo Archer, he challenged stereotypes with Black Messiah (2014), a socially conscious album dropped amid Ferguson protests. Its themes of resistance and love resonated globally, earning critical acclaim and reinforcing neo-soul’s role in cultural discourse.
• Iconic Collaborations and Mentorship: Partnerships with Angie Stone (co-writing on Voodoo, fathering son Michael II) and near-Verzuz with Maxwell highlighted communal creativity. D’Angelo news often celebrated these bonds, amplifying voices like Erykah Badu and Common, and building a supportive neo-soul ecosystem.

3. Lasting Financial and Streaming Legacy

• Modest Yet Sustainable D’Angelo Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million at death, his wealth from royalties (over 5 million albums sold) and posthumous streams (500 million+ on Spotify) ensures family security. Unreleased tracks could boost the estate, demonstrating how quality endures over quantity in singer Deangelo’s career.
• Fan Devotion and Tributes: Deangelo passed away sparked massive #RIPDAngelo campaigns, with peers like Maxwell and Questlove honoring him. This outpouring underscores his emotional pull, turning personal loss into widespread appreciation.

4. Personal Resilience and Influence on Wellness Discussions

• Overcoming Adversity: Despite addiction and reclusiveness, D’Angelo’s 2014 return with Black Messiah showcased triumph, inspiring fans facing mental health battles. His story humanizes artists, promoting sobriety and privacy as strengths.

Cons: Challenges and Drawbacks of D’Angelo’s Path

1. Reclusiveness and Limited Output

• Decade-Long Hiatuses: The 14-year gap between Voodoo and Black Messiah frustrated fans and stunted momentum. D’Angelo’s withdrawal after the “Untitled” video’s objectification led to missed opportunities, like the canceled Maxwell Verzuz, limiting his visibility and evolution in a fast-changing industry.
• Unfulfilled Potential: Rumors of a fourth album (hinted by Raphael Saadiq) remain unrealized due to Deangelo died prematurely. This scarcity—only three studio albums—means his influence, while deep, lacks the prolific catalog of contemporaries like Maxwell.

2. Personal Struggles and Health Oversights

• Impact of Addiction and Privacy: Legal issues (e.g., 2005 marijuana arrest) and substance abuse contributed to isolation, alienating collaborators and delaying projects. D’Angelo cause of death—pancreatic cancer—highlights how reclusiveness may have delayed diagnosis; symptoms like weight loss went unnoticed publicly, raising questions on how did Deangelo die without earlier intervention.
• Family Tragedies: The double blow of Angie Stone death in a March 2025 car crash and D’Angelo death left son Michael II orphaned young. Angie Stone death lawsuits alleging negligence in the accident underscore unresolved grief, compounded by D’Angelo’s private battles.

3. Commercial and Financial Limitations

• Modest D’Angelo Net Worth: At $1 million, his fortune pales against peers (Maxwell’s $10 million), stemming from shunning endorsements, tours, and mainstream appeal. This anti-commercial stance, while principled, resulted in financial strain during reclusive years, potentially limiting philanthropy or family support.
• Objectification Backlash: The “D’Angelo How Does It Feel” video, though iconic, sparked debates on hyper-sexualization, contributing to his retreat and career stalls. Deangelo the singer became a sex symbol over a songwriter, diluting artistic discourse.

4. Broader Industry and Legacy Risks

• Missed Collaborations and Exposure: Failed events like the Verzuz with Maxwell deprived fans of live magic, while D’Angelo news often focused on rumors (e.g., false Deangelo died hoaxes in 2023-2025) rather than music. Pancreatic cancer’s aggressiveness—under 10% survival rate—robs future generations of mentorship.
• Health Awareness Gaps: D’Angelo death from pancreatic cancer, following Angie Stone death, amplifies tragedies but critiques delayed public health talks. His privacy, admirable yet isolating, contrasts with advocates pushing for early screenings, potentially hindering awareness campaigns.

D’Angelo Death FAQ: 10 Essential Answers on the Neo-Soul Legend’s Life, Legacy, and Passing from Pancreatic Cancer

The music world is reeling from the loss of D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer), the Grammy-winning neo-soul pioneer who died on October 14, 2025, at age 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Known for timeless hits like “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” D’Angelo’s influence on R&B endures, alongside his collaborations with Angie Stone and peers like Maxwell. This FAQ addresses 10 key questions about D’Angelo singer’s career, personal life, D’Angelo cause of death, and more, based on family statements, media reports, and verified sources as of October 14, 2025.

1. When and How Did D’Angelo Die?

D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, passed away on October 14, 2025, at his home in New York City at the age of 51. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, describing it as a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.” He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after months of private treatment.

2. What Was D’Angelo’s Cause of Death?

The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a aggressive disease that often goes undetected until advanced stages due to its subtle symptoms like weight loss and fatigue. Diagnosed several months prior, D’Angelo kept his illness private, with his family revealing details only after his passing. This aligns with reports from TMZ and Variety, noting he’d undergone surgery earlier in 2025, leading to a canceled Roots Picnic performance in May.

3. Who Was D’Angelo’s Real Name and Early Life?

D’Angelo’s full name was Michael Eugene Archer (often stylized as Michael D’Angelo Archer). Born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, he was raised in a Pentecostal family where gospel music shaped his early talents. By age three, he was playing piano in church, influenced by his minister father and pianist mother. As a teen, he formed the band Michael Archer and the Precisions, drawing from Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Al Green before dropping out of school to pursue music.

4. What Are D’Angelo’s Most Famous Songs and Albums?

D’Angelo’s discography includes three landmark albums: Brown Sugar (1995, double platinum with hits “Lady” and “Brown Sugar”), Voodoo (2000, Grammy-winning for Best R&B Album, featuring “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”), and Black Messiah (2014, critically acclaimed protest album). His biggest single, “D’Angelo How Does It Feel” (from Voodoo), peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. These tracks defined neo-soul’s sensual, genre-blending sound.

5. What Was D’Angelo’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?

D’Angelo net worth was estimated at around $1 million at the time of his passing, according to sources like Celebrity Net Worth. This modest figure reflects his aversion to commercialization—no major endorsements or lavish tours—despite selling over 5 million albums worldwide. Royalties from streaming (now over 500 million Spotify plays posthumously) and unreleased material could increase his estate’s value.

6. Who Was Angie Stone, and What Was Her Connection to D’Angelo?

Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer known for “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” was D’Angelo’s girlfriend in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They shared a son, Michael Archer II (born 1998, aka Swayvo Twain), and collaborated extensively—Stone featured on his live album Live at the Jazz Cafe (1998) and co-wrote tracks for Voodoo. Their relationship inspired Brown Sugar, and she produced her debut Black Diamond (1999) with his help. Tragically, Angie Stone death occurred earlier in 2025.

7. How Did Angie Stone Die?

Angie Stone death resulted from a fatal car crash on March 1, 2025, near Montgomery, Alabama. The 63-year-old was a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van traveling from a Mardi Gras performance in Mobile to Atlanta when it overturned and was struck by an 18-wheeler around 4 a.m. She was the sole fatality among nine passengers. A September 2025 wrongful death lawsuit by her family alleged she survived the initial wreck and tried to escape before the impact, citing negligence.

8. How Did D’Angelo and Maxwell Relate, and Why No Verzuz?

D’Angelo and Maxwell, both Virginia-born neo-soul icons, shared a fraternal rivalry and mutual admiration—Maxwell called D’Angelo “the blueprint” for his polished falsetto contrasting D’Angelo’s raw edge. A 2021 Verzuz battle was planned for Valentine’s Day but canceled due to scheduling conflicts, as confirmed by Swizz Beatz. Maxwell paid tribute post-D’Angelo death: “Brother, your soul touched mine. Rest in that eternal groove.” Their styles often drew comparisons, with fans debating Urban Hang Suite (1996) vs. Brown Sugar.

9. What Was the Impact of the “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” Video?

The 2000 video for “D’Angelo How Does It Feel,” directed by Paul Hunter, featured a shirtless D’Angelo in a one-take, nude-appearing performance against a black backdrop, blending sensuality with vulnerability. It propelled Voodoo to No. 1 but objectified him as a sex symbol—”pure beefcake,” per The New York Times—leading to discomfort and his 14-year hiatus. Hunter intended it as an intimate “one-on-one” for women, but it shifted focus from his artistry.

10. What Is D’Angelo’s Legacy, and Who Has He Influenced?

As Deangelo the singer and neo-soul architect, D’Angelo’s legacy lies in fusing 1970s soul with hip-hop urgency, via the Soulquarians collective with Questlove, Erykah Badu, and Common. He influenced Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, SZA, and Tyler, The Creator. Black Messiah (2014) addressed social issues like Ferguson, earning Album of the Year nods. Tributes from Questlove (“D was the frequency we all tuned to”) and Maxwell highlight his enduring inspiration. Despite only three albums, his music’s emotional depth ensures immortality.