Lauryn Hill Reflects On D'Angelo's Legacy In Emotional Tribute

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2025 Essence Festival Of Culture
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 04: Lauryn Hill performs during 2025 Essence Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on July 04, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
D'Angelo's family confirmed on Tuesday that the legendary singer has passed away after a private battle with cancer.

Lauryn Hill honored D'Angelo on Instagram on Tuesday night after the legendary singer's death at the age of 51. In doing so, she shared a picture of him while discussing his influence on music and his legacy.

"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," Hill began.

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. 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. 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 and that you Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfillment with our Father in heaven."

Hill concluded: "I Love you and I miss you. May God grant peace and shelter to your family, true friends and genuine appreciators, Brother, King."

D'Angelo's Death

D'Angelo passed away after a private battle with cancer on Tuesday, his family confirmed in a statement. “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," they wrote.

In addition to Lauryn Hill, many other celebrities have mourned D'Angelo on social media over the last day. Tyler, the Creator, The Alchemist, DJ Premier, and more have all shared tributes as well.

About The Author
Cole Blake is a current staff writer at HotNewHipHop based out of New York City. He began writing for the site as an intern back in 2018 while finishing his B.A. in Journalism at St. John’s University. In the time since, he’s covered a number of breaking stories for HNHH. These include the ongoing YSL RICO trial, the allegations surrounding Diddy, and much more. His work also extends outside of hip-hop, having written extensively about a myriad of topics including politics, sports, and pop culture. He’s attended several music festivals to provide coverage for the site as well, such as Rolling Loud and Governors Ball.

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