Angie Stone: The Soulful Diva Who Gave Us 'Funk You Up' and Took the Funk with Her

March 1, 2025

Angie Stone wasn’t just a singer—she was a force of nature wrapped in soul, funk, and a voice that could make you believe in love again, even after your ex left you on read. Her passing at 62 has left a void in the music world that no Auto-Tune-heavy, radio-friendly track can ever fill.

Her journey through music wasn’t just a career—it was a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and undeniable talent. From pioneering female hip-hop to redefining neo-soul, Angie Stone’s life was the kind of story that deserves a platinum record of its own.

From Gospel Beginnings to Hip-Hop Queen

Before she was blessing the world with soulful anthems, Angie was belting out gospel hymns in her South Carolina church—because, of course, all legendary vocalists have to start in church. The choir wasn’t ready for what was coming.

In the late 1970s, she co-founded The Sequence, one of the first-ever female hip-hop groups, back when rap was still figuring itself out. The group's hit "Funk You Up" made history as the first rap song by a female group to chart on Billboard—long before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion were making headlines.

That song became an anthem, later sampled by Dr. Dre and Bruno Mars, proving that good funk never dies—it just gets remixed. Angie was a pioneer before she even knew what she was pioneering.

Black Diamond: When Solo Stardom Became a Reality

After The Sequence, Angie didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, she made one of the best career pivots since Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson went from wrestling to world domination. She dabbled in writing and collaborating with legends like D'Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and Erykah Badu, before deciding it was her time to step into the solo spotlight.

Her debut album, "Black Diamond," dropped in 1999 and hit gold faster than you can say "underrated legend." Songs like "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" showcased her ability to make heartbreak sound like a warm hug. She was blending old-school soul with modern R&B, making people feel nostalgic for relationships they never even had.

Critics loved it. Fans played it on repeat. And the music industry? Well, they finally started putting some respect on her name.

The Song That Broke Every Heart: 'Wish I Didn’t Miss You'

If you’ve ever stared at your phone, waiting for a text that was never coming, "Wish I Didn’t Miss You" was the soundtrack to your emotional collapse.

Released in 2001 on her second album, "Mahogany Soul," this song became the anthem for every breakup, every unrequited love, and every ex that still owed someone money.

The song sampled The O’Jays' classic "Back Stabbers," giving it a groove so infectious that even people in happy relationships found themselves questioning their choices. It was raw, real, and remains one of the best R&B songs of the 2000s.

Acting, Collaborations, and Always Staying Relevant

Angie wasn’t just content with ruling R&B. She dipped her toes into acting, making appearances in films like "The Hot Chick" and "Ride Along," proving that she could steal scenes as easily as she stole hearts.

Her collaborations were legendary—whether it was lending her voice to D’Angelo’s "Brown Sugar" or writing for Mary J. Blige, she was everywhere. She had the kind of musical range that made you wonder if she ever took a bad vocal take in her life.

And then there was the Angie Stone and D’Angelo saga—a musical and romantic partnership that gave us great songs and even better drama. Their relationship produced a son, a few iconic tracks, and the kind of R&B gossip that still gets whispered about today.

A Tragic Final Curtain Call

Angie Stone’s final days were as busy as ever. She was still performing, still creating, still proving why she was one of the best to ever do it. On March 1, 2025, after performing at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball in Alabama, she and her team were heading to their next gig.

Tragically, their van overturned on Interstate 65 near Montgomery and was struck by a truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the music world in shock. Fans, fellow artists, and industry legends flooded social media with tributes, mourning a woman whose voice had soundtracked decades of love, pain, and joy.

A Legacy That Can’t Be Replaced

Some artists make hits. Others change the game. Angie Stone did both.

She didn’t just give the world great songs—she gave R&B depth, soul, and authenticity. She paved the way for future female rappers, helped shape the neo-soul movement, and reminded everyone that real music comes from the heart, not a formula.

Even in death, her voice will keep playing, her songs will keep healing, and her influence will keep inspiring.

So the next time you hear "Wish I Didn’t Miss You" playing in a bar at 1 a.m., take a moment to raise your glass to Angie Stone.

She left us too soon, but her music will never leave us.