D'Angelo

For other uses, see D'Angelo (disambiguation).

D'Angelo
D'Angelo performing in 2012
D'Angelo performing in 2012
Background information
Birth nameMichael Eugene Archer
Also known as
  • D ("Dee")
  • Mike
Born (1974-02-11) February 11, 1974 (age 50)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • multi-instrumentalist
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • keyboards
  • drums
WorksD'Angelo discography
Years active1991–present
Labels
Formerly of
Children3

Michael Eugene Archer[3] (born February 11, 1974), better known by his stage name D'Angelo (/diˈændʒəloʊ/), is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He first garnered attention after co-producing the single "U Will Know" for R&B supergroup Black Men United. His debut studio album, Brown Sugar (1995), was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and received widespread acclaim from music critics, who have credited the album for ushering in the neo soul movement. His third single, "Lady", reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

D'Angelo would then collaborate with artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and then-girlfriend Angie Stone. His next album, Voodoo (2000), debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and continued to receive critical acclaim. The album's lead single "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", earned him the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance; likewise, Voodoo won Best R&B Album. Following this period, D'Angelo became increasingly uncomfortable with his growing status as a sex symbol. This was followed by numerous personal struggles, including alcoholism, which resulted in limited musical output for several years.

After over a decade spent mostly out of the public eye, he then released his third studio album, Black Messiah, in 2014. The album was met with critical acclaim and peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200. The same year, D'Angelo was hailed as the next Marvin Gaye by GQ.[4] D'Angelo also contributed to the soundtrack for the 2018 video game Red Dead Redemption 2, performing the song "Unshaken".

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Huey was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Lindsey, Craig D. (February 12, 2013). "Five Lesser-Known Soul Men Worth Your Attention". The Village Voice. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  3. ^ "D'Angelo ready to record after SUV crash". USA Today. September 27, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  4. ^ "Amen! (D'Angelo's Back)". GQ. December 14, 2018.