Angie Stone Dies in Car Crash
Angie Stone, a trailblazing force in neo-soul, tragically passed away in a car crash last night. Her death marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades, touching countless fans with her rich, agile voice and deeply rooted connection to soul music’s history. Stone was no overnight success; by the time her 2001 album “Mahogany Soul” made her a star, she had already spent over twenty years navigating the music industry, starting in the pioneering all-girl rap trio The Sequence. She later performed with lesser-known R&B groups like Devox and Vertical Hold and contributed her talents to other artists, including D’Angelo, her former partner and father of her son, Michael.
In 1999, Clive Davis signed Stone to Arista Records, recognizing the unique depth her years of experience brought to her music. Her debut album, “Black Diamond,” showcased her ability to retool lush 70s soul for a modern audience. Tracks like “Green Grass Vapors” swirled with funk, its smoky guitar lines echoing the sultry atmosphere of D’Angelo’s work. Her rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” was breathtaking, effortlessly channeling his anguish and existential struggles.
It was with “Mahogany Soul,” released on Davis’s new label J Records, that Stone solidified her status as a powerhouse in soul music. The album’s opener, “Soul Insurance,” saw her delivering a fierce rap reminiscent of Millie Jackson, with backing singers wrapping her in a protective harmony. Tracks like “Brotha” celebrated Black men, while “If It Wasn’t” honored her musical predecessors. The gritty “20 Dollars” recounted her pre-fame struggles, and her iconic “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” transformed the O’Jays’ “Backstabbers” into a searing ballad of heartbreak and longing.
Stone’s music stood out even among her neo-soul contemporaries like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Musiq Soulchild. Her life experience lent her music a gravity that resonated deeply. Her follow-up album, “Stone Love,” opened with an a cappella nod to the Supremes before diving into sultry bedroom ballads like “Stay for a While” with Anthony Hamilton. She deftly balanced classic soul influences with modern sensibilities, as seen in the joyful collaboration with Snoop Dogg on “I Wanna Thank Ya.”
By 2007, Stone had found a fitting home at the revitalized Stax Records. “The Art of Love and War” was a triumphant homage to 70s soul, featuring fiery duets with legends like Betty Wright and James Ingram. “Baby” was a defiant anthem of self-worth, while “My People” updated Stevie Wonder’s social consciousness for a new generation. The album became her highest-charting release, cementing her legacy as a torchbearer of soul music’s golden era.
However, her 2009 album “Unexpected” reflected a period of personal turmoil. The loss of her father weighed heavily on her, and the music lacked her usual spark. Despite this setback, Stone persisted, continuing to release music that, while less commercially successful, never lacked emotional depth or artistry.
2015’s “Dream” contained hidden gems like “Forget About Me,” a track brimming with sly references to her past relationship with D’Angelo. “Full Circle” in 2019 gave us “Dinosaur,” a funk-laden lament for lost love, and “Grits,” a playful exploration of intimacy. Stone’s willingness to blend humor with raw vulnerability made her music timeless, even as industry trends shifted.
Her final album, 2023’s “Love Language,” featured the poignant duet “The Gym” with Musiq Soulchild, a testament to her enduring creative spark and cherished collaborations. Even in her later years, Stone’s voice retained its power to convey the full spectrum of human emotion, from joy to heartache.
Angie Stone’s influence extended beyond her own discography. She paved the way for future generations of soul artists, proving that perseverance and authenticity could carve out lasting success. Her music was a sanctuary for listeners navigating their own struggles, her voice a guiding light through love, loss, and self-discovery.
The world has lost a remarkable artist, but her music remains an eternal echo of her brilliance. In every note, every lyric, Angie Stone’s spirit lives on, a reminder of the beauty and resilience she poured into her art. Though her life was cut short, her legacy is immortal, forever woven into the fabric of soul music history.
