by D’Angelo died on October 14th after a private battle with cancer. Now, one of his most popular collaborators, Lauryn Hill, has paid tribute to the singer following his death.
The two artists famously collaborated on ‘Nothing Even Matters’ on the classic 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
The Fugees member penned a heartfelt letter to D’Angelo on Instagram, describing the neo-soul innovator as a “genius” while revealing her regrets about not spending more time with him.
“People need reflection,” she began. “I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God. You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius.”
She continued, “Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us. Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed.”
Hill went on to credit D’Angelo for being an inspiration to Black men and prayed for peace for the singer in the afterlife.
“You imaged a unity of strength and sensitivity in Black manhood to a generation that only saw itself as having to be one or the other,” she wrote. “It is my earnest prayer that you are in peace, far away from selfishness, fear and/or controlling interests. Far from possessiveness, far from greed, far from manipulation, far from exploitation, far from intentionally designed chaos.”
She added, “And that you Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfillment with our Father in heaven. I Love you and I miss you. May God grant peace and shelter to your family, true friends and genuine appreciators, Brother, King.”
During an interview with Rolling Stone in 2008, D’Angelo described Hill as “warm and sweet,” and that collaborating with her was “very cool.”
His family confirmed his death in a statement, revealing he passed away after a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.” He was 51.
