Angie Stone, known to many as a soul icon, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the age of 63. While her contributions to music as a singer and songwriter are widely celebrated, few realize the deep and lasting influence she had in shaping the early years of Hip-Hop. As the world mourns her loss, it’s vital to reflect on the pioneering work she did as an integral part of Hip-Hop’s foundation.
From Columbia, S.C., to the Heart of Hip-Hop
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone’s journey into music was nothing short of groundbreaking. In the late 1970s, while still in high school, she became a member of The Sequence, an all-female Hip-Hop trio alongside Cheryl “Cheryl The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. The group made history as the first female Hip-Hop act to sign with Sugarhill Records, the same label that brought the world the iconic Sugarhill Gang.
The Sequence’s debut single, “Funk You Up,” released in 1979, was one of the earliest and most influential tracks in the genre’s history. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook helped it reach audiences far beyond the traditional confines of New York, extending Hip-Hop’s reach to the Southern United States. Its influence endures, with portions of the track sampled by rap legends like Ice Cube, De La Soul, and Dr. Dre, further cementing its place in Hip-Hop history.
The Legacy of “Funk You Up”
What made “Funk You Up” particularly significant wasn’t just its musicality—it proved that Hip-Hop was more than just a New York City phenomenon. The Sequence’s Southern roots helped expand the genre’s influence, showing that Hip-Hop culture was universal. The track’s legacy has endured for decades, appearing in numerous songs across genres, a testament to its power and relevance in shaping the soundscape of modern music.
Even after The Sequence disbanded in 1985, Stone’s contributions continued to reverberate throughout the music industry. She worked with pioneering acts like Mantronix, DJ Kurtis Mantronik, and MC Tee, and later became the lead vocalist for Vertical Hold, releasing a pair of albums in the early ’90s. Stone’s songwriting prowess was also influential, particularly in her collaborations with D’Angelo. She contributed to his albums Brown Sugar and Voodoo, which remain staples in the neo-soul movement.
Bridging Soul and Hip-Hop in the New Millennium
As Stone transitioned into the realm of R&B, she remained connected to Hip-Hop culture. In 2003, she appeared on Erykah Badu’s track “Love of My Life Worldwide,” where the classic Funk You Up sample reappeared, this time layered with verses from Badu, Queen Latifah, and Bahamadia. Her contributions didn’t go unnoticed by newer generations of artists, either. In 2017, Stone and the remaining members of The Sequence filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit against Bruno Mars, claiming that his hit “Uptown Funk” had borrowed from their groundbreaking track.
Despite being known primarily as an R&B singer, Stone’s unwavering roots in Hip-Hop were evident throughout her career. Her efforts helped bridge the gap between soul music and the burgeoning hip-hop scene, and her legacy as a pioneer within both genres is undeniable.
A Legacy Remembered and Honored
As we remember Angie Stone’s incredible legacy, it’s essential to recognize her role in shaping Hip-Hop’s early years. Many fans may know her for her soulful voice, but her place in Hip-Hop history is equally significant. With her contributions, Stone helped lay the groundwork for the genre’s crossover into the mainstream, proving that the culture had far-reaching and enduring power.
The tributes pouring in from fellow artists and fans alike remind us of her lasting influence. From Hip-Hop to soul, Angie Stone’s impact will forever be felt, as her contributions to music continue to inspire and influence generations of artists.
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