Michael Eugene Archer, better known by his stage name D’Angelo is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He first garnered attention after co-producing the single “U Will Know” for the R&B supergroup Black Men United.
His debut studio album, Brown Sugar (1995), received widespread acclaim from music critics, who have credited the album for ushering in the neo-soul movement; and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its third single “Lady”, reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
Why was D’Angelo controversial?
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. D’Angelo was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana and cocaine in 2005.
By the time he survived a near-fatal car accident in September of that year, he had already done two unsuccessful stints in rehab. But D’Angelo says his wake-up call occurred in 2006, following the death of rapper-producer J Dilla.
