The Rise of a Hip-Hop Pioneer: Angie Stone’s Early Days and Legacy
Angie Stone, a trailblazing figure in the hip-hop and R&B worlds, passed away at the age of 63 in Montgomery, Alabama, following a car accident after a performance. Her death marked the end of a remarkable journey that spanned decades, genres, and roles, from being a pioneering rapper to a celebrated solo artist. Stone’s career was a testament to her versatility, resilience, and the indelible mark she left on music history. Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s journey began in her local church, where she developed a love for singing. This early foundation would propel her into the spotlight as a member of the Sequence, one of the first all-female rap groups, in 1979. Alongside Cheryl Cook and Gwendolyn Chisolm, Stone and the Sequence signed with Sugar Hill Records, the same label that brought rap music to the mainstream with the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.” Their groundbreaking singles, such as “Funk You Up” and “Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off),” not only showcased their talent but also influenced future artists like Ice Cube, En Vogue, and Dr. Dre, who sampled their work.
From Rap to R&B: Angie Stone’s Solo Transformation
After the Sequence disbanded, Angie Stone transitioned into a successful career as a songwriter, backup singer, and collaborator for acts like Mary J. Blige, Lenny Kravitz, and D’Angelo. However, she yearned for the spotlight and eventually stepped into it with her solo R&B career. Her 1999 debut album, Black Diamond, went gold, as did its follow-up, Mahogany Soul in 2001. With hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” Stone became a key figure in the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s. This movement, which blended soul, R&B, pop, and jazz, found Stone alongside icons like Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, and Lauryn Hill. Her sultry alto voice and mastery of laid-back, soulful grooves made her a standout artist. Billboard magazine once praised her as a singer, songwriter, and producer destined to become a grande dame of R&B. Stone’s music was a reflection of her authenticity and artistic depth, earning her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Behind the Scenes: Angie Stone’s Journey to Recognition
Despite her eventual success, Angie Stone’s path to stardom was not without its challenges. For over a decade, she worked behind the scenes as a songwriter and backup singer for some of the biggest names in music. While her contributions were valued, she often felt overlooked and underappreciated. In a 2000 interview with The Los Angeles Times, she expressed her frustration, saying, “I knew it wasn’t my talent, because everybody wanted a piece of me for something… I started to feel used.” Stone also faced setbacks as a member of two R&B acts, Vertical Hold and Devox, in the early 1990s. Their music, though innovative, didn’t align with the mainstream trends of the time. It wasn’t until the late 1990s, when artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu broke through, that Stone’s unique sound resonated with audiences. “I really think that I was ahead of my time,” she told The Associated Press in 1999. “My music caught up to time, or time caught up to my music.”
A Life of Love, Loss, and Legacy: Angie Stone’s Personal Journey
Angie Stone’s personal life was as dynamic as her career. Born to Bobby Williams, a lawyer’s assistant, and Iona (Brown) Williams, a hospital technician, Stone grew up in a musical household. Her father’s involvement in a gospel quartet at their church inspired her early love for singing. In 1978, she, Cheryl Cook, and Gwendolyn Chisolm formed the Sequence after sneaking backstage at a Columbia concert to audition for Sylvia Robinson, a founder of Sugar Hill Records. Their bold move paid off when Robinson signed them on the spot. Stone’s personal life also included a marriage to Rodney Stone, which ended in divorce, and a relationship with D’Angelo, with whom she had a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond Stone, from her marriage; her son; and two grandchildren.
Health, Hollywood, and Beyond: Angie Stone’s Later Years
In the 2000s, Angie Stone expanded her horizons beyond music. She appeared in films like The Hot Chick (2002) and The Fighting Temptations (2003), and she played the role of Mama Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago in 2003. She also had roles in TV series like Girlfriends, for which she sang the opening theme. Stone’s health became a focus in her later years as she openly discussed her struggles with Type 2 diabetes and her efforts to improve her well-being. In 2006, she joined the reality show Celebrity Fit Club, where she lost 18 pounds during the season. Despite her health challenges, Stone continued to work on her music, releasing her 10th studio album, Love Language, in 2023. The album featured 11 tracks, including “Old Thang Back,” a collaboration with her son, who performs under the name Swayvo Twain.
Angie Stone’s Enduring Impact: A Legacy of Music and Strength
Angie Stone’s death marks the loss of a musical icon whose contributions spanned hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. Her journey from a church choir in South Carolina to the bright lights of Broadway and the stages of global tours is a testament to her resilience and talent. As a pioneer, she paved the way for future generations of female rappers and neo-soul artists. Her music, which often explored themes of love, empowerment, and personal growth, continues to resonate with fans. Angie Stone’s legacy is not just one of artistic achievement but also of authenticity and determination. She will be remembered as a true matriarch of modern soul, whose voice and spirit continue to inspire and uplift.