Mary J. Blige is opening up about the heartbreaking loss of two of neo-soul's most revered voices, D'Angelo and Angie Stone, saying she's still struggling to process their passing.
In an emotional reflection with PEOPLE Magazine, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul shared how deeply the news has affected her, calling both artists "beautiful people" and remembering the rare creative bond they shared.
"I worked with him and Angie. I knew Angie very well and I knew D'Angelo very well, and I'm just still shocked and surprised," Blige said. "I just can't believe that both of them are gone."
The Grammy-winning singer described both D'Angelo and Stone as gifted yet guarded artists who valued authenticity and intimacy over fame: "They were the most beautiful people and just really nice people to work with and to know. D'Angelo was a beautiful, beautiful person."
Blige, who collaborated with D'Angelo on the 1999 hit "Your Precious Love" and remained close with Stone throughout her career, reflected on how selective the pair were with their inner circle.
"If they let you in, that means you were special because they didn't mess with a lot of people," she said. "They were very quiet, both of them, and very selective on who they let into their world as far as working with them. I was grateful to have that opportunity to be around them like that."
Angie Stone died on March 1, 2025, in a tragic car crash near Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63. D'Angelo passed away on October 14, 2025, at age 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.