Lauryn Hill mourned the lack of D’Angelo with a deeply private message following the announcement that the neo-soul trailblazer died from pancreatic most cancers at age 51.

The Grammy-winning singer remembered her longtime collaborator with a heartfelt put up on Instagram Tuesday evening (October 14), calling him “a presence not of this world” and reflecting on the bond they shared by means of music.

“I regret not having more time with you,” Hill 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.”

The two famously teamed up on “Nothing Even Matters,” a standout observe from Hill’s 1998 debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The track, which showcased their vocal chemistry, earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Lauyrn Hill, D’Angelo – Nothing Even Matters

D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, rose to prominence within the mid-Nineties along with his debut album Brown Sugar, which helped outline the neo-soul style. His 2000 follow-up, Voodoo, received the Grammy for finest R&B album and cemented his place as one of the crucial influential voices in fashionable soul.

After a prolonged hiatus, he returned in 2014 with Black Messiah, credited to D’Angelo and The Vanguard. The album received one other Grammy for finest R&B album, and the one “Really Love” took dwelling the award for finest R&B track.

Over the course of his profession, D’Angelo earned 4 Grammy Awards from 14 nominations. His influence on R&B and soul music was profound, inspiring friends like Erykah Badu, Maxwell and Angie Stone, all of whom emerged from the identical inventive wave.

Hill’s tribute went past admiration, concerning D’Angelo’s affect on tradition and identification. “You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius,” she wrote. “Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.”

She additionally praised him for redefining masculinity in music. “You showed 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 ended her message with a prayer for his peace and safety. “It is my earnest prayer that you are in peace, far away from selfishness, fear and/or controlling interests,” she wrote. “I Love you and I miss you. May God grant peace and shelter to your family, true friends and genuine appreciators, Brother, King.”

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D’Angelo’s household confirmed his passing on Tuesday. He was 51.

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