Overview

• The singer, born Michael Eugene Archer, died on October 14, 2025, at age 51, according to his family's statement.
• The family said he passed after a long, courageous fight with cancer and asked for privacy while inviting fans to mourn and celebrate his music.
• Initial reports came from TMZ with an insider confirmation to People, and the family's notice was shared with media via Rolling Stone.
• TMZ reported pancreatic cancer and New York as the place of death, details not independently confirmed in the family's statement.
• A cornerstone of neo-soul, he released Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah, earned four Grammys from 14 nominations, and is being remembered by peers including DJ Premier.