D’Angelo released only three studio albums in a career that spanned 30 years, and yet he will go down as one of the great musicians of his or any era, a man whose art had the power to make and move whole worlds.

The singer, songwriter and producer’s 2000 album was the result of years in the studio listening to inspiring music, jamming and rediscovering his artistic purpose.

Shortly before his death, D’Angelo had just celebrated the 30th anniversary of his seminal 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, which was released to critical acclaim in July of 1995.

The pioneering R&B icon died Tuesday at age 51 after a battle with cancer. Tributes are pouring in for R&B icon D’Angelo after his family announced the singer’s death on Tuesday, with stars including Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Nile Rodgers, Flea and Missy Elliot all honoring the late legend.

The singer and songwriter’s art of elegant seduction never required him to raise his voice, or lose his desperation, humor or awareness.

D'Angelo "emerged as a nostalgic figure in modern soul," said Pitchfork's Marcus J Moore. "His blend of 1970s R&B and hip-hop felt uniquely vintage and modern. He appealed to wide swaths of listeners and helped usher in a new strain of black music."

Neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo, best known for hits like Untitled (How Does It Feel) and Brown Sugar, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 51.

One of the innovators of what was called neo-soul, D’Angelo’s influence was far greater than you might expect from someone who only released three studio albums.