Angela Laverne Stone, known professionally as Angie Stone, was an influential American singer-songwriter, rapper, actress, and record producer, who made a significant impact on the R&B and neo-soul genres. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, she began her career in the late 1970s and was recognized for her powerful voice and distinctive style. With a career that spanned over four decades, Stone was instrumental in shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B, earning her place as a revered figure in the music industry.

Stone's musical journey commenced in 1979 when she gained prominence as a member of The Sequence, the first all-female act in hip-hop music. This early experience paved the way for her later success. In the early 1990s, she became a member of the R&B group Vertical Hold, which further showcased her talent and versatility. However, it was her solo career that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. In 1999, she released her debut solo album, Black Diamond, under Arista Records. The album achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and featured the hit single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," which resonated with audiences and established her as a solo artist.

Following the success of her debut, Stone transitioned to J Records and released her second album, Mahogany Soul, in 2001. This album included the popular single "Wish I Didn't Miss You," which further solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the R&B genre. She continued to build on this momentum with subsequent albums, including Stone Love in 2004 and The Art of Love & War in 2007, the latter of which became her first number-one album on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

In addition to her music career, Angie Stone also ventured into acting, making her film debut in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick. She showcased her theatrical talents in 2003 when she made her Broadway debut as Big Mama Morton in the acclaimed musical Chicago. Throughout the 2000s, she appeared in various films and television series, including The Fighting Temptations, Pastor Brown, and School Gyrls, as well as reality shows like Celebrity Fit Club and R&B Divas.

Stone's contributions to music and entertainment earned her numerous accolades, including two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and an Edison Award. She received three Grammy Award nominations and was honored with the Soul Music Icon Award at the Black Music Honors in 2021. In 2024, she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing her profound influence on the industry. Over the course of her career, Stone achieved significant commercial success, with two gold-certified studio albums and total solo sales exceeding five million records worldwide.

Angie Stone's legacy is marked by her ability to blend various musical styles, her powerful vocal performances, and her impactful songwriting. She remains a celebrated figure in the music world, remembered for her contributions to the evolution of R&B and hip-hop. Stone's journey through music and acting continues to inspire aspiring artists, and her work has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.