Angie Stone, the soul icon and pioneering rapper best known as a member of the groundbreaking female hip-hop trio The Sequence, died tragically in a car accident early Saturday morning. She was 63. The accident occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, as Stone was returning from a performance. Her representative, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the news to TMZ stating that Stone was the only fatality in the crash, which involved a commercial vehicle.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone grew up in a musical household. Her father, a deacon, and her mother, a choir director, instilled in her a deep love for gospel music. Stone began singing in her church choir at the age of three, and by her teenage years, she was already writing her own songs. Her early exposure to gospel, soul, and R&B would later shape her distinctive sound, blending raw emotion with infectious grooves.
In the late 1970s, Stone’s life took a pivotal turn when she moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. There, she became a founding member of The Sequence, one of the first all-female rap groups, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm. The group’s 1979 hit single Funk You Up made history as one of the first rap songs performed by women to achieve mainstream success, peaking at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. Rolling Stone magazine later hailed the track as a groundbreaking moment for women in hip-hop.
The Sequence was signed to Sugar Hill Records, the legendary label that also represented Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the first rap group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Guy Todd Williams, better known as Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, paid tribute to Stone, recalling their shared history. “She left her indelible mark on the music industry initially as a member of the legendary rap group Sequence,” he said. “Her talent and determination were unmatched, and she paved the way for so many of us.”
After The Sequence disbanded, Stone transitioned to a solo career, blending soul, R&B, and hip-hop into her music. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond (1999), was a critical and commercial success, earning Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The album showcased her powerful vocals and introspective songwriting, with standout tracks like No More Rain (In This Cloud) and Life Story resonating deeply with listeners. Her 2007 album, The Art of Love & War, became her highest-charting work, peaking at No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Over her career, Stone was nominated for three Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Beyond music, Stone was a multifaceted artist who ventured into acting. She made her film debut in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick, starring alongside Rob Schneider and Rachel McAdams. She also appeared in the 2003 musical drama The Fighting Temptations with Beyoncé and Cuba Gooding Jr., showcasing her versatility as a performer. Stone’s charisma and natural talent made her a sought-after figure in both music and film, and she continued to explore new creative avenues throughout her career.
Stone’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Her daughter, Diamond, also a performer, shared her grief in a heart-wrenching social media post: “My mommy is gone,” accompanied by a series of crying emojis. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, celebrating her contributions to music and her trailblazing role as a woman in hip-hop.
The accident occurred around 7 a.m. local time on Interstate 65 in Alabama. Stone was reportedly traveling to Baltimore for a CIAA basketball tournament after performing in Montgomery County. Authorities have not yet released further details about the crash, but local news site WSFA reported that it involved a commercial vehicle, believed to be an 18-wheeler.
Stone’s legacy extends far beyond her chart-topping hits. As a member of The Sequence, she helped shatter barriers for women in hip-hop, and her solo career showcased her ability to seamlessly blend genres, earning her a devoted fanbase. Her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in her footsteps, from Lauryn Hill to Lizzo.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Stone was known for her warmth and generosity. Friends and colleagues have described her as a mentor and inspiration, always willing to uplift others in the industry.
Stone’s passing leaves a void in the world of music, but her impact will continue to resonate for generations to come. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond, son Michael and a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of music history. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.