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Angie Stone, a real pioneer within the music business, tragically handed away on March 1, 2025, on the age of 63. In her profession, Stone earned a number of Grammy nominations, celebrated accolades just like the Soul Practice Woman of Soul Award, and solidified her standing as a trailblazing solo artist with hits like “Brotha” and “Want I Didn’t Miss You,” showcasing her soulful affect on the worldwide music scene. Nevertheless, some could not know of the musical legacy that might pave the best way the solo success that might make her a family identify in Black properties in every single place.
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Her profession started as a part of The Sequence, a groundbreaking hip-hop trio fashioned in 1979 alongside highschool pals Cheryl Cook dinner (Cheryl “The Pearl”) and Gwendolyn Chisolm (Blondie). Based mostly in Columbia, South Carolina, The Sequence holds a singular place in historical past as the primary feminine rap group signed to the enduring Sugar Hill Data.
The Sequence made waves with their infectious single, “Funk You Up,” which turned the primary rap file launched by a feminine act and the second-ever single by Sugar Hill Data. Angie’s highly effective voice and pure charisma shone because the group’s lead singer and rapper. Their music, mixing the rhythm of funk with the boldness of hip-hop, laid foundational tracks for future feminine artists within the style. Songs like “Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)” and “I Don’t Want Your Love” additional cemented the group’s legacy.
After The Sequence, Stone reinvented herself within the Nineties as a key member of the R&B group Vertical Maintain. Alongside Willie Bruno II and David Vivid, the group gained consideration for his or her clean, trendy sound. Signed to A&M Data, their debut album, Matter of Time, launched in 1993, was a crucial success. It featured the breakout hit “Appears You’re A lot Too Busy,” a monitor that completely showcased Angie’s emotive vocals and adept storytelling capability. Different tracks, like “A.S.A.P.,” additionally resonated with listeners, affirming the group’s inventive imaginative and prescient.
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Vertical Maintain launched their second album, Head First, in 1995. Songs resembling “Love At present” additional highlighted Stone’s exceptional presence and the group’s chemistry. Nevertheless, the band disbanded shortly after, paving the best way for Angie’s rise as a solo artist.
All through her profession with each The Sequence and Vertical Maintain, Angie Stone constantly set herself aside together with her soulful voice, lyrical depth, and pioneering spirit. She broke boundaries as a feminine artist in male-dominated genres and helped bridge the hole between hip-hop and R&B. Her contributions to those teams not solely outlined their success but additionally set the stage for her enduring impression on the music business as a complete.
Angie Stone: The Trailblazer Who Bridged Hip-Hop and R&B
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