D’Angelo was given a special tribute at the BET Awards 2026 seven months after his untimely death.
The performance, dedicated to timeless R&B and soul vocalist, was introduced by his children Michael ‘Swayvo Twain’ Archer Jr., Imani Archer, and Morocco Archer, who delivered a brief speech about the 4-time Grammy winner.
“It’s only right that they’re here with us along with some other special guests to honor the man who meant the whole world to us,” Swayvo said. “So, Pops, this one’s for you.”
While backed by The Vanguard, kicking off the performance was Ari Lennox with “Really Love” before passing the mic to RAYE, who gave a belty take on “Spanish Joint.”
George Clinton was joined by Isaiah Sharkey for a cover of “Chicken Grease” before Grammy-winning singer Durand Bernard sang Brown Sugar classic “Sh*t, Damn, Motherf*cker.” Closing the set was the full cast of performers, and BJ the Chicago Kid with a cover of “Devil’s Pie.”
D’Angelo was also honored at the 68th Grammy Awards in February, where performers included Ms. Lauryn Hill, Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas and Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton. The late crooner died at 51 years old on October 14, 2025, after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. His former partner, R&B singer Angie Stone, the mother of Swayvo Twain, died just nine months before at 63 years old after a car accident in Montgomery, Alabama.
