The music world is mourning the loss of Grammy-nominated R&B artist Angie Stone, who has died at the age of 63 following a car crash.
Her daughter, Diamond Stone, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, writing, “My mommy is gone.”
The tragedy occurred early on Saturday in Alabama when the van Stone was traveling in overturned, leaving her fatally injured. Reports indicate that she had just finished a performance before the accident took place.
Fans, fellow musicians, and industry professionals have been left in shock as they remember the legacy of a woman whose music touched generations.
Stone’s influence on the music industry spanned decades, with a career that began in the late 1970s as part of the pioneering female hip-hop trio, The Sequence.
The group made history with their hit song Funk You Up, which peaked at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.
As one of the first female rap groups to achieve mainstream success, The Sequence paved the way for countless female artists in hip-hop.
Stone later transitioned into a successful solo career, becoming a defining voice in neo-soul with hits like No More Rain (In This Cloud) and Wish I Didn’t Miss You.
She earned three Grammy nominations over the years, cementing her place among R&B’s most respected artists.
Her daughter, Diamond, who is also a musician known by the stage name Ladi Diamond, expressed her devastation in another Facebook post, saying she was feeling “numb.”
Just hours before confirming her mother’s passing, she had posted an emotional request for prayers, indicating that she was on the road and dealing with an urgent family crisis.
The grief was evident as fans and fellow musicians flooded her social media with condolences and messages of support, acknowledging the profound loss of a legendary artist and devoted mother.
A spokesperson for the Stone family told the BBC that loved ones had traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, following the crash and planned to release more details soon.
While the exact cause of the accident remains unclear, sources confirmed that multiple people were in the van at the time.
Hip-hop artist Guy Todd Williams, also known as Rahiem from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, revealed that about nine other passengers were present when the vehicle overturned.
Despite the severity of the crash, Stone was the only fatality, a fact that has left many grappling with the randomness and tragedy of the situation.
Williams paid tribute to Stone’s contributions to music, emphasizing the impact she had not only on hip-hop but also on R&B and soul.
“She left her indelible mark on the music industry initially as a member of the legendary rap group Sequence,” he said.
Tributes have since poured in from fellow musicians, producers, and fans, all highlighting Stone’s unique voice, songwriting talent, and the warmth she brought both on and off the stage.
Social media has been flooded with clips of her past performances, messages of gratitude for her influence, and personal stories from those who had the privilege of working with her.
Beyond her musical achievements, Stone also found success in film. She made her acting debut in The Hot Chick, a 2002 comedy starring Rob Schneider, Rachel McAdams, and Anna Faris.
The following year, she appeared in The Fighting Temptations alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé, further showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
Though music remained her first love, her presence on screen demonstrated the depth of her artistic talent, allowing her to connect with audiences in new and unexpected ways.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Montgomery police have yet to release an official report.
From her groundbreaking work with The Sequence to her timeless solo hits, Angie Stone’s voice will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her music.
