Angie Stone

Early Life

Angela Laverne Brown, known professionally as Angie Stone, was born on December 19, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was raised in a musical environment, with her mother working as a hospital technician and her father as a lawyer's assistant and gospel singer. Stone's early exposure to music came from singing in the choir at First Nazareth Baptist Church, where she performed her first solo. She attended W.A. Perry Middle School and C.A. Johnson High School, nurturing her passion for music during her formative years.

Career

Stone's music career began in 1979 when she formed the female hip-hop group The Sequence. The group made history with their debut single "Funk You Up," which became one of the first original hip-hop songs released without sampling, peaking at number fifteen on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Over the years, Stone transitioned into a successful solo artist, releasing acclaimed albums such as "Black Diamond," "Mahogany Soul," and "The Art of Love & War." Her work has been pivotal in shaping the neo-soul genre, and she has collaborated with notable artists, including D'Angelo, with whom she shares a son, Michael Archer Jr.

Personal Life and Activism

Throughout her life, Stone has navigated various relationships, including a marriage to rapper Lil' Rodney C! and a long-term relationship with D'Angelo. She has been open about her struggles, including her diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, which she revealed in 2009. Stone has used her platform to advocate for health awareness and has remained a prominent figure in the music industry.

Legacy

Angie Stone is celebrated as a pioneer of hip-hop and neo-soul music. Her influence is evident in her hit single "Funk You Up," which has been widely sampled in hip-hop. Stone has received numerous accolades, including the Soul Music Icon Award in 2021 and an induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024. Her contributions to music and culture continue to resonate, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.