Washington [US], March 2– Angie Stone, the acclaimed singer known for her co-founding role in the hip-hop trio The Sequence and her hit R&B singles like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” has tragically passed away at the age of 63. A representative for Stone confirmed that she was killed in a car crash on March 1, involving an 18-wheeler, as reported by People.
Stone’s daughter, Ladi Diamond, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing, “My mommy is gone.”
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone began her musical career as part of The Sequence, a pioneering female hip-hop group she co-founded with high school friends Cheryl Cook (“Cheryl the Pearl”) and Gwendolyn Chisolm (“Blondy”). The group, often regarded as one of the first female hip-hop acts, left an indelible mark with their 1979 hit “Funk You Up,” which remains a rap classic.
In the 1990s, Stone transitioned to R&B, performing with the group Vertical Hold before embarking on a solo career. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond, released in 1999, featured the hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” followed by her 2001 album Mahogany Soul, which included the unforgettable track “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.” This song continues to be a beloved classic.
Stone also made her mark as a prolific songwriter, collaborating with notable artists such as D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz. Beyond music, she expanded her career into TV and film, appearing in reality shows like VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club and R&B Divas: Atlanta. She also had roles in movies such as The Hot Chick and The Fighting Temptations, and even made her Broadway debut in 2003 with the musical Chicago.
With 10 solo albums to her name, Stone earned three Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2003 and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2004. Last year, she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to music.
Stone is survived by her daughter Ladi, her son Michael (whom she shared with D’Angelo), and two grandchildren.