Tyler the Creator’s Heartfelt Tribute After D’Angelo’s Death

The music world is mourning on Tuesday after the death of an iconic and influential artist. R&B singer D'Angelo - a pioneer of neo-soul and one of the most influential musicians of the 90s and early 2000s - died on Tuesday at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tributes have poured in from fans and contemporaries all over the world, praising the singer for his talent, ability and authenticity.

One artist who went on to have major success of their own wrote a heartfelt tribute to D'Angelo on social media, explaining how one of his albums changed the trajectory of his life.

Tyler's Emotional Tribute to D'Angelo

Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, the Creator told the story of buying D'Angelo's album "Voodoo" on his ninth birthday in 2000.

"i had no doubt that voodoo would deliver," the rapper said on Instagram. "i had no idea that would help shape my musical dna."

Tyler explained that he spent countless hours writing lyrics to instrumentals on the album, repeating songs over and over in his best effort to replicate what he was hearing and experiencing sonically.

"the amount of times ive tried to mimic vocal phrasing from SEND IT ON, the scratches the disc ended up with from repeating THE ROOT......too many," Tyler said.

The rapper described one song as having "that dragging sway of tempo that sounds like a porch sitting rocking chair," and "that grumpy but loose bassline. the subject of it, that feeling he's describing felt like a mirror."

Tyler explained that he was inspired by songs on "Voodoo" when he wrote "RING RING RING" for his most recent album, "Don't Tap the Glass." The two-time Grammy winner said that "Voodoo" and D'Angelo's other works were testaments to his talent and skill.

"i couldnt understand how someone could write something so simple but personal but broad but genius. thats how special he was. a savant. a true alien," Tyler added.

"i am so lucky to have gotten my copy of VOODOO when i did. we are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art. my musical dna was helped shaped by this man. forever grateful. safe travels."

D'Angelo's Impact and Influence

D'Angelo was born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974 in Richmond, Virginia. After a brief spot of stardom from a teenage appearance on Amateur Night at the Apollo, he honed his skills as a songwriter. In 1995, he released his debut album "Brown Sugar" to immense critical and commercial acclaim.

"Voodoo" followed five years later, including the singer's most iconic hit. "Untitled (How Does it Feel?)" remains the defining hit of his career, thanks in part to its music video.

D'Angelo released what would be the final studio album of his career, "Black Messiah," in 2014. Like his earlier work, the album was praised by critics and fans alike. D'Angelo won the Grammy award for Best R&B Album in 2016, one of four Grammy awards during his career.

Rest in peace to D'Angelo. We send condolences to his fans, friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.