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The music world came together over the weekend to honor the legendary neo-soul legend with a star-studded affair attended by many famous past collaborators and friends.<\/p>\n
The artist, known professionally as D\u2019Angelo, was laid to rest during a funeral held at Saint Paul\u2019s Baptist Church in Henrico, Virginia on Nov. 1, following his death on Oct. 14 from pancreatic cancer<\/a> at the age of 51, People<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill were among those in attendance at the singer\u2019s celebration of life.<\/p>\n During the service, Wonder and D\u2019Angelo\u2019s former bands, The Soultronics and The Vanguard, performed musical tributes.<\/p>\n D\u2019Angelo, whose real name is Michael Archer, was born Feb. 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia<\/a>. He released three studio albums throughout his career: \u201cBrown Sugar\u201d (1995), \u201cVoodoo\u201d (2000), and \u201cBlack Messiah\u201d (2014).<\/p>\n D\u2019Angelo won four Grammy Awards<\/a> out of 14 career nominations. He most recently won Best R&B Album for \u201cBlack Messiah\u201d and Best R&B Song for \u201cReally Love\u201d in 2016.<\/p>\n The R&B icon, who was supposed to perform his first full live show in nine years<\/a> at Roots Picnic<\/a> in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earlier this year, had to pull out<\/a> because of health issues.<\/p>\n \u201cDue to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery (I) had earlier this year, (I\u2019ve) been advised by my team of specialists that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters,\u201d D\u2019Angelo wrote in an Instagram post<\/a> on May 23.<\/p>\n Following the service, Hill took to social media, sharing images of D\u2019Angelo in a tribute post<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret not having more time with you,\u201d the singer wrote. ” 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.”<\/p>\n Hill continued, \u201cYou sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The acclaimed artist also praised D\u2019Angelo for presenting a vision for Black manhood that united strength and sensitivity to a generation that felt pressured to choose one over the other.<\/p>\n Hill expressed her profound hope that he is resting in eternal peace, far removed from all earthly struggles, including \u201cselfishness, fear, greed, manipulation, and exploitation.\u201d<\/p>\n She concluded by affirming her love and loss for her \u201cBrother, King,\u201d and wishing that his family and genuine friends receive peace and shelter.<\/p>\n Read the original article on MassLive<\/a>. Add MassLive<\/a> as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nMore music content<\/h2>\n