Gaming fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to legendary musician D’Angelo and his “iconic” contribution to the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack.
Michael D’Angelo Archer passed away yesterday (October 14) after “a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” his family confirmed. “We invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world,” the statement continued.
Following the news, Tyler, The Creator, The Alchemist, Missy Elliott and many more took to social media to pay tribute to the groundbreaking musician. “A true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come,” wrote Doja Cat.
However, a number of Red Dead Redemption fans have also been remembering D’Angelo’s contribution to 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2, which featured the original song ‘Unshaken’, his first new material since 2014’s third and final album ‘Black Messiah’.
“Arguably my favourite moment in gaming history, is this specific ride in Red Dead Redemption 2, where D’Angelo’s ‘Unshaken’ plays. Not only did his music mean a lot to me, but he played a pivotal role in one of modern gaming’s most iconic moments,” wrote one fan alongside a clip from the game.
arguably my favourite moment in gaming history, is this specific ride in Red Dead Redemption 2, where D’Angelo’s ‘Unshaken’ plays.
not only did his music mean a lot to me, but he played a pivotal rate in one of modern gaming’s most iconic moments.pic.twitter.com/czBCCujfej
— Dobson 🦋 (@ByDobson) October 14, 2025
“This part cemented ‘best game ever for me. At the moment I didn’t know it was D’Angelo but the moment itself just had me like ‘wow, this effin game man’,” added another. “Chills. Definitely one of the best moments in gaming history. I bawled my eyes out. The lyrics matched what was going on in my life at the time. Crazy how powerful games can be,” said a third.
Rest In Peace D’Angelo, a true titan of soul. We are eternally grateful for his track “Unshaken” which will forever be an enduring part of the legacy of Red Dead Redemption 2. pic.twitter.com/HvmcJ6FPWA
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) October 14, 2025
D’Angelo was a “massive, massive” fan of the original Red Dead Redemption, according to Ivan Pavlovich, Rockstar Games’ director of music who helped playtest the sequel. “He would come in here [Rockstar’s New York city office] and just play the game. We weren’t even talking about doing music,” Pavlovich said in a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone. “When D’Angelo comes through, he shows up at midnight, and he’s playing the game until four in the morning. Each time he was just like, ‘it’s incredible.’ It just blows his mind. He’s such a fan. I have never seen someone that excited.”
D’Angelo is survived by his three children, sons Michael and Morocco and daughter Imani. His ex-girlfriend, and Michael’s mother, soul singer Angie Stone, died in a car crash in March aged 63.
