Written by Jasper Ward (Reuters) – The music industry is in mourning following the tragic passing of American singer Angie Stone, a three-time Grammy Award nominee, at the age of 63. The news was confirmed by Stone’s representative, Deborah R. Champagne. The representative revealed that Stone met with a fatal accident in Montgomery, Alabama, after a performance. Guy Todd Williams, also known as Rahiem from the groundbreaking Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, shared that Stone was traveling with nine other passengers in a van at the time of the accident, and she was the sole fatality.
Williams highlighted Stone’s significant contributions to the music scene, noting her early career with the legendary rap group Sequence. Originally from South Carolina, Stone was part of the female hip-hop trio The Sequence. Their track “Funk You Up” gained popularity, reaching number 15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart and being recognized as the first rap hit performed by women. The group was signed to the renowned Sugar Hill Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, which was also home to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
In 1999, Stone launched her solo career with the release of her debut album, “Black Diamond,” which achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America the following year. One of her most successful albums, “The Art of Love & War,” released in 2007, peaked at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Stone ventured into acting, appearing in various films. Her acting debut came in “The Hot Chick,” where she starred alongside Rob Schneider and Rachel McAdams. She also showcased her talent in “The Fighting Temptations,” sharing the screen with Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Jasper Ward reporting, with editing by Franklin Paul.
