Tyler, The Creator Pays Tribute To D’Angelo

Tyler, the Creator paid tribute to D’Angelo, calling him “a savant”. The respected musician died on Tuesday at the age of 51. Following his death after a long cancer battle, artists across the world have honoured his legacy, among them Tyler, the Creator, who shared a poignant message.

“I couldn’t understand how someone could write something so simple but personal, but broad but genius,” Tyler shared when recalling the influence D’Angelo’s One Mo’Gin had on his own work. “That’s how special he was. A savant. A true alien. We are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. My musical DNA was shaped by this man. Forever grateful. Safe travels.”

Among his peers who also remembered the visionary were Nile Rodgers, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, who dubbed him “the pioneer of Neo-soul”. D’Angelo won four Grammys for Best R&B Vocal Performance throughout his career. The musician died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer and confired by family members.

People further reported that the singer had been in hospital for several months and had moved to hospice care in recent weeks. D’Angelo’s family confirmed his death in a statement to The New York Post.