Tyler, the Creator Tributes to D’Angelo as the Artist Who ‘Shaped’ His ‘Musical DNA’

Tyler, the Creator is a savant when it comes to studying the history of music, and he’s among the many artists and fans who were shaken following the loss of D’Angelo on Tuesday (Oct. 14).

The Grammy-winning rapper took to Instagram to reflect on his love for the late R&B legend, which took him back to excitedly taking his birthday money to buy a CD of D’Angelo’s classic sophomore album, Voodoo.

“On my 9th birthday, march 6 2000, i landed at Sam Goody at the south bay galleria,” he wrote. “I had $20 in birthday money and my eyes set on leaving with one thing. VOODOO by D’Angelo.”

Tyler continued: “Citas world had ‘left&right’ on loop; brown sugar became a staple at home and nothing even matters by ms.hill was on repeat, so i had no doubt that voodoo would deliver. i had no idea that would help shape my musical dna. the amount of raps ive wrote to BOOTY on the front porch that year, 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.”

D’Angelo’s artistry became embedded in the culture of R&B and the neo-soul architect’s brilliance influenced Tyler growing up. Elsewhere in his statement, Tyler revealed that D’Angelo’s soothing “One Mo’Gin” directly influenced Don’t Tap the Glass‘ “RING RING RING.”

“ONE MO’GIN still puts me in the same trance as it did when i first heard it,” he wrote. “That dragging sway of tempo that sounds like a porch sitting rocking chair. that grumpy but loose bassline. the subject of it, that feeling hes describing felt like a mirror. I took that and wrote RING RING RING (hence the one mo gin line). 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 family confirmed in a statement to Billboard that the music visionary died at 51 years old on Tuesday (Oct. 14) following a battle with cancer.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” the statement read. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, Oct. 14, 2025.”

“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the statement continued. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”