Angie Stone: The Trailblazing Hip-Hop and R&B Icon Passes Away in Tragic Alabama Car Crash
The music world is mourning the sudden passing of Grammy-nominated artist Angie Stone, a pioneering figure in hip-hop and R&B. Stone, aged 63, tragically lost her life in a devastating car accident in Montgomery, Alabama, in the early hours of Saturday morning. While nine other passengers survived the crash, Stone was the only casualty, marking a heartbreaking end to a career that had spanned multiple decades and genres.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s musical journey began in the church, where she honed her vocal skills. Raised in a deeply religious household, gospel music became her foundation, laying the groundwork for what would later be an illustrious career in secular music. Her exposure to rich harmonies and soulful melodies in the church choir played a significant role in shaping her distinctive sound.
Breaking Barriers with The Sequence
Stone’s breakthrough came in the late 1970s when she co-founded the pioneering female hip-hop group The Sequence. Alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, Stone helped pave the way for women in rap. Their 1979 hit single Funk You Up became a milestone in hip-hop history, peaking at number 15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart and later being widely sampled by artists, including Dr. Dre.
At a time when hip-hop was overwhelmingly male-dominated, The Sequence proved that women could hold their own in the genre, inspiring future generations of female rappers. The group signed with Sugar Hill Records, a label that was instrumental in launching hip-hop into the mainstream, also home to acts like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five.
Transitioning into R&B and Finding Success
Following the dissolution of The Sequence, Stone seamlessly transitioned into the R&B scene. In the early 1990s, she became a member of the trio Vertical Hold, best known for their 1993 hit Seems You’re Much Too Busy. The group’s sound showcased Stone’s ability to blend elements of soul, funk, and R&B, a signature style that would define her solo career.
Solo Stardom and the Rise of Neo-Soul
Stone’s solo career took off with the release of Black Diamond in 1999, an album that established her as a prominent voice in the neo-soul movement. The album, named after her daughter, received gold certification and featured the hit single No More Rain (In This Cloud), a song that stayed at the top of the Adult R&B Billboard charts for ten weeks. Her follow-up album, Mahogany Soul (2001), solidified her status, featuring one of her most well-known songs, Wish I Didn’t Miss You, which sampled The O’Jays’ Back Stabbers and became a global hit.
Throughout the 2000s, Stone continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including Stone Love (2004) and The Art of Love & War (2007), the latter earning her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance. Her distinctive, husky voice, combined with her ability to infuse classic soul with contemporary R&B, set her apart from her peers.
Collaboration with Industry Legends
Over the years, Stone collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. She worked with Prince, contributing vocals to his 1999 album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic. She also recorded with Macy Gray, Guru, Omar, Moby, and the British boy band Blue, with whom she collaborated on a cover of Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours in 2003.
Her ability to seamlessly bridge different musical styles made her a sought-after collaborator, and her influence extended beyond her own recordings. Many artists, including Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu, have cited her as an inspiration.
Acting Career and Cultural Impact
In addition to her music career, Stone ventured into acting. She appeared in several films, including The Hot Chick (2002) and The Fighting Temptations (2003), alongside Beyoncé and Cuba Gooding Jr. She also took to the Broadway stage, demonstrating her versatility as a performer.
Her presence extended to reality television as well. She appeared on R&B Divas: Atlanta, a show that chronicled the lives and careers of R&B legends, giving fans a glimpse into her personal and professional struggles.
A Tragic End
On the night of her tragic passing, Stone had just completed a performance and was traveling back to Atlanta when her vehicle—a Sprinter van—overturned and was subsequently hit by a large truck. Music producer Walter Millsap III, who was close to Stone, revealed that while the nine other passengers miraculously survived, Stone was unable to make it.
News of her death sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. Guy Todd Williams, better known as Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, expressed his sorrow, stating that Stone’s legacy as a pioneering female voice in hip-hop and R&B would live on forever.
The Music Industry Mourns
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans worldwide. Rapper and actor LL Cool J tweeted, “A true queen of music. Angie Stone broke barriers and gave us timeless music. Rest in power.” Singer Erykah Badu, who has often acknowledged Stone’s influence on the neo-soul genre, wrote on Instagram, “You paved the way for us. Thank you, Queen Angie.”
Even music legend Questlove took to social media, reminiscing about Stone’s contributions to hip-hop and R&B. “From The Sequence to solo greatness, Angie was the blueprint. This one hurts,” he posted.
Her Enduring Legacy
Despite her untimely passing, Angie Stone’s influence on music remains undeniable. From her groundbreaking work in hip-hop with The Sequence to her dominance in the neo-soul and R&B world, she was a true trailblazer. Her music continues to be celebrated, sampled, and revered by generations of artists and fans alike.
Stone’s artistry was more than just her powerful voice; it was in her storytelling, her authenticity, and her ability to blend the past with the present. Her legacy will continue to inspire, ensuring that her voice and contributions to music are never forgotten.
