Angie Stone Once Shared that Co-Parenting With D'Angelo Was 'Very Difficult': 'Pride Is The Gangsta In This'

The world of neo-soul is still mourning two of its brightest lights. D'Angelo, the reclusive genius behind Voodoo, and Angie Stone, the powerhouse voice of Black Diamond, are both gone, leaving behind a love story as rich and complex as their music.

D'Angelo died on 14 October 2025, aged 51, following a private battle with pancreatic cancer, according to AP News. His passing came just seven months after Angie Stone's fatal car crash in Alabama on 1 March 2025, aged 63, per reports from The Guardian.

Their bond began with music and ended as a lesson in pride, vulnerability, and love.

The Music Turned Into Magic

The pair met in the mid-1990s while recording Brown Sugar, the debut album that catapulted D'Angelo to stardom. Their creative chemistry was undeniable. She coached him vocally, added harmonies, and helped shape his raw sound into something timeless.

That connection soon grew into romance. By 1998, they welcomed their son, Michael Archer Jr., now known as Swayvo Twain. With Brown Sugar selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide, according to RIAA data, their lives were consumed by success. But fame, as it often does, came at a cost.

When Love Met Ego

By 1999, their relationship had unravelled. Stone, who was ten years older, had already navigated the music industry's highs and heartbreaks, while D'Angelo was still learning to handle stardom. The emotional gap widened.

In a candid chat with EURweb, Stone reflected on why things fell apart: 'Pride is the gangsta in this.'

She called D'Angelo 'a good man wrestling with his own reflection', as reported by Vibe. The fame, the pressure, and the perfectionism built walls around him. Still, Stone's words were not bitter, they were filled with empathy and understanding.

Their story wasn't a tragedy of betrayal, but of two artists trying to stay connected while the world turned their private lives into headlines.

Co-Parenting in the Spotlight

After the split, Stone took on the challenge of raising their son while navigating life in the public eye. Speaking to Atlanta Black Star, she revealed:

'It puts people in an awkward position when you think the world is watching.'

She admitted that co-parenting with D'Angelo was difficult, his insecurities, fame, and reclusive nature often made things tense. Still, she never doubted his love for their son. Her openness turned what could have been gossip into a lesson about grace, forgiveness, and emotional growth.

Their Final Days and Enduring Legacy

In his final months, D'Angelo was surrounded by family, including Michael, who had already suffered the devastating loss of his mother. According to People, he remained calm, spiritual, and focused on his legacy.

Both artists leave behind monumental contributions to soul music. Voodoo sold over 1.7 million copies, while Stone's Mahogany Soul achieved gold certification, per RIAA figures. Their blend of gospel, funk, and raw honesty redefined R&B for a generation searching for authenticity.

'Pride Is the Gangsta' — The Line That Lingers

Stone's now-famous quote, 'Pride is the gangsta in this', feels even heavier in hindsight. It was never just about ego; it was about vulnerability, boundaries, and the silent battles that love cannot always heal.

Their son, Swayvo Twain, continues that legacy, channelling his parents' soulfulness into his own sound, a reminder that music, like love, never truly dies.

Keep Their Legacy Alive

To feel the depth of their connection, revisit D'Angelo's Voodoo and Angie Stone's Black Diamond, albums that still move hearts decades later. And for an intimate look at their story, watch Stone's heartfelt reflections in this interview.

Their music endures, teaching us that pride may divide, but love and song have the final word.