Remembering the Grammy-Nominated Pioneer Who Shaped R&B, Hip-Hop, and Left an Indelible Legacy

The music world continues to mourn the loss of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, who died tragically on March 1, 2025, in a vehicle collision in Montgomery, Alabama. At 63, Stone leaves behind a rich musical legacy spanning nearly five decades, from her early days as a pioneering female rapper to her status as one of neo-soul’s most respected voices.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone began her musical journey singing gospel at First Nazareth Baptist Church. Her father, a member of a local gospel quartet, introduced her to performances by gospel artists, laying the foundation for her future career.

Stone’s professional music career began at just 16 years old when she formed the rap trio The Sequence with high school friends Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. They made history as one of the first female hip-hop acts, becoming the second rap group signed to Sugar Hill Records after auditioning for manager Sylvia Robinson backstage at a Sugar Hill Gang concert.

In 1980, The Sequence achieved significant success with their single “Funk You Up,” which reached number 15 on the US Top Black Singles chart. This pioneering track would later be sampled by Dr. Dre for “Keep Their Heads Ringin’,” cementing its place in hip-hop history.

Career Evolution and Solo Success

After The Sequence disbanded in 1985, Stone worked with electro-funk group Mantronix before becoming the lead vocalist for R&B trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s. The group released two albums: “A Matter of Time” (1993) and “Head First” (1995), featuring the popular single “Seems You’re Much Too Busy.”

Stone’s collaborative work extended beyond her own groups. She shared songwriting credits on D’Angelo’s first two acclaimed albums, “Brown Sugar” (1995) and “Voodoo” (2000), and provided backing vocals for him on tour. She also contributed as a backing vocalist on Lenny Kravitz’s album “5” (1998).

Breakthrough as a Solo Artist

Her solo career began in earnest with 1999’s “Black Diamond,” released through Arista Records. The album reached the top ten on Billboard’s US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earned gold certification from both the RIAA and BPI. It spawned the Adult R&B Songs number-one hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” establishing Stone as a formidable solo artist.

“I just think there’s nothing else out there really like Angie Stone,” the singer told Rolling Stone in 2000. “My album bridges the gap — it sits right on the cusp of young and old generations. For the first time in a long time, adults have a record they want to invest fifteen dollars in.”

After transitioning to J Records, Stone released “Mahogany Soul” (2001), which featured collaborations with Alicia Keys, Raphael Saadiq, and Eve. The album produced her biggest international hit, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” which topped Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart and became her signature song.

Her subsequent albums included “Stone Love” (2004) and “The Art of Love & War” (2007), the latter becoming her first number-one album on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Over her career, Stone released ten studio albums, with her most recent being “Love Language” in 2023.

Acting Career and Other Ventures

Beyond music, Stone built a successful acting career. She made her film debut in the 2002 comedy “The Hot Chick” and appeared in films like “The Fighting Temptations” (2003) alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. Her stage work included playing Big Mama Morton in the Broadway musical “Chicago” in 2003.

Television audiences recognized her from appearances on shows like “Girlfriends” (for which she also recorded the theme song), “Celebrity Fit Club,” and “R&B Divas.”

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Stone received numerous accolades:

• Three Grammy Award nominations: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “More Than Woman” with Joe, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “U-Haul” in 2005, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Baby” with Betty Wright
• Two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
• Soul Music Icon Award at the Black Music Honors in 2021
• Inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024

In 2024, she was featured on Damon Little’s “No Stressing,” which reached #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, demonstrating her continued relevance and versatility in the music industry.

Sorority Affiliation and Philanthropic Work

In July 2024, Stone was inducted as an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. during the organization’s international conference in Indianapolis. This prestigious sorority, founded in 1920 at Howard University, embraces principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. Stone’s induction recognized her outstanding contributions to music and her commitment to community service.

Stone was deeply involved in health advocacy, particularly through her work with the F.A.C.E Diabetes program, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. This initiative focuses on educating African Americans about diabetes risk factors, prevention, and management—a cause close to Stone’s heart. Her involvement demonstrated her commitment to health equity and community welfare beyond her musical endeavors.

At the time of her induction, Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta, remarked, “The work of our 2024 Honorary Member Class aligns with Zeta Phi Beta’s commitment to helping others excel through mind, body, and spirit. We are proud to extend membership to this group of women and I welcome them to the sisterhood on behalf of all Zeta Phi Beta members.”

Personal Life and Family

Stone was the mother of two children: daughter Diamond Ti’ara (from her marriage to rapper Rodney Cee of Funky 4+1) and son Michael (from her relationship with D’Angelo). Her personal relationships often influenced her music, infusing her lyrics with authentic emotion and lived experience.

The Tragic End

On the morning of March 1, 2025, Stone was traveling in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van from Alabama to Atlanta after performing at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball. Around 4:25 a.m., the van flipped over on Interstate 65 and was subsequently hit by a freight truck. Stone was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other passengers survived.

She had been scheduled to perform at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament in Baltimore later that day. Following the news of her passing, CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber led a moment of silence at the game in her honor.

Tributes and Reactions

The news of Stone’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the music industry and among fans worldwide. Her daughter Diamond confirmed her mother’s death with a heartbreaking Facebook post simply stating, “My mommy is gone,” accompanied by crying emojis.

Walter Millsap III, Stone’s longtime manager and music producer, shared details of the tragic accident with The Associated Press, explaining that the vehicle she was riding in flipped over and was hit by a big rig. While others in the cargo van survived, Stone did not.

Following the news of her passing, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed profound sadness, saying Stone had “used her talent, passion, and presence to inspire others with strength and hope.”

Stone’s publicist released a statement saying, “Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched,” adding that details regarding memorial services would be announced by the family in due course.

Final Projects and Unfulfilled Plans

Just a week before her death, Stone shared her excitement about upcoming projects in a video posted on social media, saying, “There’s a big grin on my face” because of plans involving “film, television, tours, artists, songwriting.”

“We’re getting back in the mix,” she said enthusiastically, hinting at what would have been a busy and creative period ahead. Her sudden passing cut short what was shaping up to be an exciting new chapter in her storied career.

Musical Impact and Enduring Influence

Angie Stone’s impact on R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop cannot be overstated. As a founding member of one of the first female rap groups, she helped pave the way for generations of women in hip-hop. As a solo artist, her soulful voice and authentic songwriting contributed significantly to the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Her ability to blend traditional R&B elements with contemporary sounds created a timeless quality in her music that continues to resonate with listeners. Stone’s collaborations across genres—from hip-hop to gospel—showcase her versatility and her importance as a connector within the music industry.

In a 2000 interview with The Times, Stone said Lauryn Hill “broke the mold” with her Grammy-winning 1998 LP, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” “Our society is so image-conscious, and she said that it’s OK to be natural and beautiful and sing about something with substance,” Stone said. This philosophy informed Stone’s own artistic approach and her authentic presence in an industry often focused on superficial image.

Legacy and Remembrance

Angie Stone leaves behind a legacy that transcends genres and generations. Her pioneering work with The Sequence helped establish women’s place in early hip-hop, while her solo career bridged R&B traditions with contemporary sounds, creating timeless music that continues to inspire.

Beyond her musical contributions, Stone’s commitment to community service, health advocacy, and mentorship of younger artists ensures her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Her induction into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority shortly before her death further cemented her status as not just a musical icon, but a role model committed to service and uplift.

As fans continue to mourn her loss, Stone’s music provides comfort and a lasting connection to her spirit. From her early hits with The Sequence to her soul-stirring solo ballads, Angie Stone’s voice remains a powerful testament to authentic artistry and emotional truth.

In celebrating Angie Stone’s life and legacy, we honor not just a remarkable talent, but a woman who used her gifts to bring joy, healing, and inspiration to countless listeners around the world. Though she is no longer with us, her music—and the path she blazed for others—ensures that Angie Stone’s influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.