Angie Stone, the renowned R&B singer best known for her hit album Black Diamond, tragically passed away on Sunday in a car crash in Montgomery, Alabama. Stone was a beloved figure in both the hip hop and R&B communities, with a legacy that spans decades. She is survived by her son Michael, her daughter Diamond, and her two grandchildren.
Who Was Angie Stone?
Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone developed a love for music at a young age. She began singing gospel music at First Nazareth Baptist Church before eventually breaking into the music scene. In the late 1970s, Stone became a prominent member of The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group released three successful albums between 1979 and 1985, helping to establish Stone as an influential voice in the early days of hip hop.
In the late 1990s, Stone embarked on a solo career that would solidify her status as a neo-soul legend. Her debut album, Black Diamond (1999), was both a commercial and critical success. The album’s title was a tribute to her daughter, Diamond, and helped establish her as a solo artist. Stone’s music resonated with fans, blending elements of soul, hip hop, and R&B into a unique sound.
Beyond music, Stone also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as The Hot Chick (2002) and Ride Along (2014), alongside Kevin Hart. Her diverse talents further cemented her place in pop culture.
Angie Stone’s Personal Life
Throughout her life, Angie Stone was no stranger to the spotlight, both professionally and personally. In the 1980s, she married Rodney Stone, a member of the hip-hop group Funky Four Plus One. Together, they had their daughter Diamond, though the couple later divorced. In the 1990s, Stone began a relationship with neo-soul artist D’Angelo. They welcomed a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II.
Angie Stone’s Net Worth
At the time of her passing, Angie Stone’s net worth was estimated at $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her wealth was a testament to her long and successful career in music and entertainment, where she made an indelible impact on the R&B and hip-hop scenes.
Details of Angie Stone’s Car Crash
The tragedy occurred while Angie Stone and nine other band members were traveling back to Alabama after a performance in Montgomery. The vehicle they were traveling in crashed, leading to Stone’s untimely death. The details surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but sources confirmed that she was involved in the incident while on the road with her bandmates.
Tributes Pour In for Angie Stone
Fans, friends, and fellow artists have expressed their sorrow following the news of Angie Stone’s death. Many took to social media to pay their respects and honor her contributions to the music industry.
One tribute on X (formerly Twitter) read, “RIP Angie Stone. Founding member of early Sugarhill Records Hip-Hop group The Sequence, later a pioneer in the Neo-Soul movement. An essential part of Hip-Hop and R&B history.” Another fan shared, “I’m crying right now. Angie Stone was the soundtrack to my childhood. My parents played her music so much that it became a part of me. We lost a legend today. May you forever rest in peace, queen.”
Stone’s legacy in the music world is undeniable. She leaves behind a lasting impact on hip hop, R&B, and neo-soul, with her unique voice and trailblazing career influencing countless artists that followed.
The passing of Angie Stone marks a heartbreaking moment for the music community. Her contributions to both hip hop and R&B shaped the sound of the late 20th century and early 2000s. As fans and loved ones mourn her loss, her influence will continue to resonate in the generations of musicians and fans she inspired.
