Angie Stone: A Hip-Hop & R&B Pioneer Who Paved the Way

Hip-hop lost a real one. Angie Stone, the soulful voice behind some of the smoothest R&B joints of the ‘90s and 2000s, was also one of the first female MCs ever to do it. Before she blessed us with hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “Brotha,” she was spitting rhymes as part of The Sequence—hip-hop’s first all-female rap group.

Back in 1979, The Sequence—made up of Angie B (Angie Stone), Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook, and Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm—put ladies on the rap map when they dropped “Funk You Up.” That track made history as one of the first rap records ever released by a female group and later became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop (yes, that’s the same groove Dr. Dre flipped on “Keep Their Heads Ringin’”).

At a time when hip-hop was just getting started, The Sequence kicked in the door for female MCs, proving that women had bars, style, and influence. Without them, we might not have seen the rise of legends like Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, or Queen Latifah.

Angie Stone wasn’t just about rapping—her voice was straight-up magic. When she transitioned into R&B, she brought that hip-hop energy, crafting smooth, soulful joints that hit deep. Songs like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” were anthems, blending old-school vibes with modern-day soul.

She worked with legends like D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and Mary J. Blige, helping shape the neo-soul movement while keeping her hip-hop roots alive. Angie wasn’t just a singer—she was a vibe, a storyteller, and a game-changer.

Losing Angie Stone is a significant blow to the culture. She was a hip-hop and soul trailblazer who gave us timeless music. Whether rocking the mic with The Sequence or pouring her heart into R&B, she always kept it honest.

Her legacy will live on through every beat, every lyric, and every artist she inspired.

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8 comments
  1. Debra Parris
    Debra Parris
    March 11, 2025 at 10:47 am

    Rest in Paradise Queen Angie…Gone but not forgotten.

    Reply
  2. Nona
    Nona
    March 11, 2025 at 6:09 pm

    Loved Angie Stone, she will be truly missed. Never put the two together Angie B then Angie Stone. I definitely remember The Sequence and Angie B, somehow I missed the transition. Just looking at and listening her interviews, so down to earth and full of wisdom. Rest in peace Angie 🙏

    Reply
  3. Geri
    Geri
    March 11, 2025 at 8:49 pm

    We have lost a great person in the music industry. Such a beautiful voice , may God bless her children and her family.

    Reply
  4. Wanda Jones
    Wanda Jones
    March 11, 2025 at 11:18 pm

    I love Angie for she did so many things behind scenes as well as paved the way for many female artists. Rest in love Angie your song’s will live in my ❤️ forever 🕊️🕊️🕊️

    Reply
  5. Shanika
    Shanika
    March 12, 2025 at 1:20 pm

    I Loved Loved Ms. Angie Stone will be truly missed.

    Reply
  6. Peggy
    Peggy
    March 13, 2025 at 3:47 pm

    This has hit me lil hard, so heartfelt can’t find words to express this lovely soul gone too soon with unfinished business…She has always captured my attention through her music and the things that was said. Loved everything about what she stood for & personal by having a cousin worked as her musical sound engineer…
    Where we went back stage, after one of her performance!!! “RIP Beautiful Loving Iconic Queen”¹👑

    Reply
  7. Rebecca Hamilton
    Rebecca Hamilton
    March 13, 2025 at 7:05 pm

    She was indeed a trailblazer, will miss her deeply!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Vanessa Hardy
    Vanessa Hardy
    March 13, 2025 at 10:20 pm

    Angie , I will always love you, you were our friend from the Bronx to SC. A woman of STONE🥰

    Reply

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