D’Angelo, the renowned R&B artist, dedicated years to an informal yet immersive study of music alongside his collaborators. His passion for crafting new songs and delving into the rich tapestry of music history earned him widespread acclaim—attention that he found uncomfortable. Although the initial rush of fame dulled his enjoyment of music, D’Angelo eventually rekindled his passion, realizing that his connection to his art was inescapable.

D’Angelo said nothing could push him away from his music

The release of his debut album, Brown Sugar, in 1995, marked a turning point for D’Angelo. The album achieved platinum status and was met with critical acclaim, thrusting him into the spotlight like never before. The overwhelming attention, however, nearly drove him away from his musical pursuits.

Reflecting on this period in a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, D’Angelo shared, “After Brown Sugar, I lost my enthusiasm to do all this. I could have done without going to 7-Eleven at three in the morning for cigarettes and getting swarmed for autographs.”

“I had to remind myself why I started in the first place, and it was for the love of music. I was getting jaded by the industry, but I realized that even if I wasn’t doing this professionally, I’d still be involved with music. So I’m cursed, and I’ll be cursed until the day I die. This is what I’m going to do,” he candidly admitted.

“I had to reiterate why I was doin’ that in the first place, and the reason was the love for the music. I was gettin’ jaded, lookin’ at what go on in the business. But, I had to say, even if I didn’t do this, I’d still be f***in’ with the music. So I’m cursed, and I’m gon’ be cursed till the day I die. So this is what I’m gon’ do.”

The last music D’Angelo released was a collaboration with Jay-Z

D’Angelo, who died of pancreatic cancer on Oct. 14, released three studio albums in his lifetime. His fourth album will come out posthumously. 

While he didn’t release music often, he did put out a song in 2024. The final song he released during his lifetime was the nearly 10-minute “I Want You Forever.” He worked with filmmaker and singer Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z on the song. The song appeared on the soundtrack to Samuel’s film, The Book of Clarence.

“Someone like D’Angelo, he moves in his own speed and his own time, so there’s no planning there. You can’t [just] say, ‘I’ve got this song, come over Tuesday,’” Jay-Z said, per GQ. “The circumstances, the vibes, the music, everything has to be in a perfect space for something like this to happen. Obviously, we haven’t collaborated for our entire careers, so it was meant for this moment right here.”

His peers have mourned him

After news of D’Angelo’s death broke, his peers have responded with an outpouring of tributes.

“I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius,” Tyler, the Creator wrote in a lengthy statement on Instagram. “That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. I am so lucky to have gotten my copy of VOODOO when I did. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. My musical DNA was helped shaped by this man. Forever grateful. Safe travels.”

Other artists, like Missy Elliot, Jamie Foxx, Flea, Flavor Flav, and Doja Cat have posted about their respect and admiration for D’Angelo.