On March 1, 2025, the music world mourned the lack of Angie Stone, a celebrated singer and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the soul and hip-hop genres. Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s journey started within the vibrant world of hip-hop, the place she made historical past as a member of the groundbreaking all-female trio, The Sequence.
Within the late Seventies, whereas nonetheless in highschool, Stone teamed up with Cheryl “Cheryl The Pearl” Prepare dinner and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm to type The Sequence. Their large break got here after a efficiency alongside the legendary Sugarhill Gang, which caught the eye of Sylvia Robinson, the founding father of Sugar Hill Information. The Sequence turned the primary feminine hip-hop trio to be signed to the label, making waves with their 1979 hit single, “Funk You Up”.
“Funk You Up” was not only a hit; it was a cultural milestone that showcased the attain of hip-hop past its New York Metropolis origins. The track was the second single launched by Sugar Hill Information, following the long-lasting “Rapper’s Delight.” Stone’s contributions to the observe helped pave the way in which for future feminine artists within the style, proving that girls may maintain their very own in a male-dominated trade.
The affect of “Funk You Up” continues to resonate within the music trade. Parts of the track have been sampled by quite a few artists, together with Too Brief, Boogie Down Productions, and Dr. Dre, who included components of the observe into his 1995 hit, “Maintain Their Heads Ringin’”. Regardless of the group’s disbandment in 1985, their legacy lived on, and so they made a comeback in 2011 with a single titled “On Our Means To The Films”.
After her time with The Sequence, Stone transitioned into R&B, changing into the lead vocalist for the trio Vertical Maintain within the early Nineteen Nineties. She later collaborated with varied artists, together with D’Angelo, contributing her songwriting abilities to his acclaimed albums Brown Sugar and Voodoo. Stone’s private life intertwined along with her skilled one, as she and D’Angelo welcomed a son collectively named Michael Archer.
In 2003, Stone showcased her versatility by showing on Erykah Badu’s observe “Love of My Life Worldwide”, the place she delivered a robust verse backed by the pattern of her personal hit, “Funk You Up.” This collaboration highlighted her enduring affect within the music scene and her skill to attach with modern artists.
In 2017, Stone and her fellow members of The Sequence filed a Federal Copyright Infringement declare in opposition to Bruno Mars, alleging that his hit “Uptown Funk” borrowed components from their seminal observe, “Funk You Up.” This authorized battle underscored the continuing relevance of Stone’s work and the significance of recognizing the contributions of pioneering artists.
Angie Stone’s contributions to music lengthen far past her chart-topping hits. She is remembered not just for her soulful voice but in addition for her position in shaping the hip-hop panorama. The outpouring of affection and tributes from followers and fellow musicians following her passing is a testomony to her affect and the respect she garnered all through her profession.
As we mirror on Angie Stone’s legacy, it’s essential to acknowledge her roots in hip-hop tradition and her vital contributions to the style. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, notably ladies, who search to carve their very own paths within the music trade.
Relaxation powerfully in peace, Angie Stone. Your music and legacy will ceaselessly resonate in our hearts.