The music world continues to mourn the loss of D’Angelo, the legendary R&B singer who redefined soul music in the 1990s and 2000s. Among the many heartfelt tributes pouring in, one of the most powerful came from Lauryn Hill, who shared a deeply moving message honoring her late friend and collaborator.
Hill and D’Angelo’s musical connection was nothing short of magical. Their iconic 1998 duet, “Nothing Even Matters”, from Hill’s Grammy-winning debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, remains one of the most timeless R&B love songs ever recorded. Though they only collaborated once, their bond as artists — and mutual respect — left a lasting impression on both their lives and their fans.
A Friendship Rooted in Soul and Spirituality
Lauryn Hill’s tribute began with a reflection on how precious time truly is. She wrote that she regrets not having spent more moments with D’Angelo, emphasizing his rare light and divine energy.
“People need reflection. I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world,” Hill wrote. “A presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God.”
Her words revealed not only admiration for D’Angelo’s artistry but also her spiritual connection to him. Hill described him as a “beacon of light” — someone whose mere existence uplifted others and inspired an entire generation of musicians to reach deeper within themselves.
“You Moved Us, Stirred Us, Inspired Us”
In her tribute, Lauryn Hill praised D’Angelo’s genius and influence. She spoke about how his music didn’t just entertain — it moved people emotionally and spiritually.
“You, sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius,” she wrote.
Hill acknowledged that while D’Angelo’s catalog was small — only three studio albums over three decades — the impact of his work was immeasurable. His debut Brown Sugar (1995) introduced a new era of neo-soul, blending gospel, funk, and raw vulnerability. His follow-up Voodoo (2000) took that sound to even greater creative heights, while Black Messiah (2014) reaffirmed his artistic brilliance and political depth.
According to Hill, D’Angelo’s artistry gave a voice to a generation of Black men struggling to reconcile strength with sensitivity. His music allowed them to feel deeply, to express emotion, and to challenge the narrow definitions of masculinity often forced upon them.
“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,” Hill wrote, honoring his powerful contribution to the culture.
A Prayer for Peace and Protection
As her message continued, Lauryn Hill’s tone shifted from admiration to prayer. She expressed her hope that D’Angelo had found true peace in the afterlife — far away from the struggles, manipulation, and chaos of the world that often haunted gifted artists like him.
“It is my earnest prayer that you are in peace, far away from selfishness, fear, and controlling interests,” Hill wrote. “Far from possessiveness, greed, and exploitation. Far from intentionally designed chaos. And that you, Brother, are in bliss and eternal light and fulfillment with our Father in heaven.”
Her words echoed the same spiritual strength that defined her music — a plea for divine comfort for a soul she considered touched by God. She ended her message with, “I love you and I miss you,” followed by a prayer for D’Angelo’s family, friends, and genuine admirers.
Remembering Their Timeless Collaboration
Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo’s only collaboration, “Nothing Even Matters,” remains one of the most beloved songs in modern R&B history. The track’s smooth harmonies and romantic intimacy showcased the pair’s chemistry and vocal brilliance.
In a past interview, D’Angelo spoke warmly about Hill and their time working together. He described her as “warm and sweet,” and shared that the collaboration came about naturally while both were working on separate albums — Hill on Miseducation and D’Angelo on Voodoo.
“Originally, we were going to swap tunes for each other’s projects because I was working on Voodoo at the same time,” D’Angelo said. “Lauryn played me some of her songs, and when we got into the studio, I laid down my vocals in about an hour.”
D’Angelo’s Legacy Lives On
Though D’Angelo released just three albums — Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah — his music influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of neo-soul. His fearless artistry inspired performers like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Common, John Legend, and Maxwell, all of whom carried his spirit of authenticity and soul into the next generation.
D’Angelo was known for being intensely private and deeply introspective, often taking long breaks between albums. But when he did release music, it was a cultural event. His honesty, spirituality, and mastery of musical craft cemented his place among the greatest R&B and soul artists of all time.
Following his passing from pancreatic cancer at 51, tributes poured in from across the music world — including heartfelt messages from Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat, and many others. Each message celebrated his talent, authenticity, and lasting influence on modern music.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Lauryn Hill’s tribute reminds the world that D’Angelo’s impact was not limited to melodies or lyrics — it was spiritual. His music carried a sense of higher purpose, a call for emotional honesty and human connection. Hill’s words perfectly captured what made D’Angelo so extraordinary: his ability to blend vulnerability, strength, and soul into something transcendent.
As Hill concluded, she expressed her hope that D’Angelo had found eternal peace — a sentiment shared by millions who continue to find comfort and inspiration in his music. Her message was not just a farewell but a testament to the kind of legacy only true artists leave behind.