Amid D’Angelo‘s death, more than a few artists, from Jill Scott to Maxwell and Lauryn Hill, sent him love on social media. Plenty have spoken on how he inspired them musically, while his children have opened up about their relationship with him. One day after D’Angelo passed away, Benzino also opted to show the R&B legend praise. Not even 24 hours later, he has closed the comment section under the post. And given the mixed reactions poppin’ off on social platforms, we can see why he said buh-bye to the feature, chile!
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Benzino Sends D’Angelo Love With Viral 2020 Video
In September 2020, the ‘Rock The Party’ rapper released a music video for his song, ‘Bigger Picture.’ From the start of the nearly three-minute video, it’s obvious Benzino drew inspiration from D’Angelo—specifically, the singer’s iconic shirtless moment in the video for ‘How Does It Feel.’ Again, it’s not the first time the internet is riled up over the video, given that Benzino’s version is five years old. Still, he used the clip on his latest Instagram account to honor D’Angelo. His caption said:
“I absolutely was influenced by the Amazing artist DAngelo Rip King your music is timeless. 🕊️”
When this article was published, Benzino closed the comment section, which had only 349 likes. He has not yet reacted to the backlash. Peep his tribute moment below.
Social Media Comes For Benzino’s Neck Over Tribute
It’s unclear when exactly Benzino turned off the tribute’s comment section. However, that didn’t stop D’Angelo’s fans from sounding OFF on other platforms, namely X. While there seems to be some confusion about when Zino filmed the video, the consensus is clear. The tribute was not IT—word to the internet, not us!
It’s the fact that at some point last night he turned them comments off on IG so thank you for flaming his a** up because he is out of of pocket!
— Certified Hoodie Thief 🏁 (@KryssyLaReina) October 16, 2025
Keep scrolling to see how some of D’Angelo’s supporters are clocking Benzino while others applaud his effort to give credit where it’s due! And then there’s the folks catching a kiiii over the ‘Bigger Picture’ scene.
Benzino Plzzzz…….We just lost D’Angelo!!!
😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/XolqeiAUjo— ♓🐟✨🦋 (@BeautyInside93) October 16, 2025
Benzino is one of the funniest humans ever man. What a character https://t.co/fMo7B9OiUr
— Demz (@Demmy_Lad) October 16, 2025
For the love of Jah someone please get Benzino off the streets and the internets!
— Stove Joseph (@Slackonbothsydz) October 16, 2025
Benzino is definitely not seeing heaven lmaooo. Hate I even saw that shit 😂😂😂
— Stag (@StagBeChillin) October 16, 2025
I'm no Benzino fan, but I give him props for honoring DeAngelo in his own way. Not every tribute is going to be great or even good (I'm 👀 at you, Madonna and Justin T), but I can appreciate the celebration of it if it's genuine and not just some contract deal. https://t.co/5Mwn0TO16C
— Carolyn Washington (@prodigalkid) October 16, 2025
this man Benzino pisses me off so bad 😭😭😭 https://t.co/X2ktUyj60k
— giggs ⚖️ (@dkarunaa) October 16, 2025
this is my first time seeing benzino in years and its some shit he did not need to post https://t.co/FMyqloUcoO
— chantel nanami. (@chantellyyy) October 16, 2025
Benzino’s D’Angelo…ahem…”tribute” looks like that rotisserie chicken that you tell the employee, “could I have that other one instead?”
— dj harvey dent (@djharveydent) October 16, 2025
Benzino the difference is people actually WANTED to see a nekkid D'Angelo nobody wants this put that shit away you scaring the children https://t.co/TLOTrxODmP
— Lashanda Walker (@majesticbeauty5) October 16, 2025
Why is Benzino playing with D’Angelo name like that 😭😭😭
— Scorpiana 💜😈♏️ (@4ever_ktown) October 16, 2025
How soon can we get Benzino arrested for that video? And I am so serious.
— boner garage (@letsnotbdumb) October 16, 2025
I did not need to see Benzino do a tribute to D'Angelo's How Does It Feel. You will drown in the River Styx for putting that on my TL.
— astral (@AstralBlackLord) October 16, 2025
What TF was Benzino thinking? Bro, people are trying to mourn D'Angelo, not see goofy sh*t like this….
— TonyDaDome (@TonyDaDome) October 16, 2025
What Happened To D’Angelo?
As previously reported, D’Angelo passed away on Tuesday (October 14) after privately battling pancreatic cancer. He was 51 when he passed away in New York City. It’s unclear when the singer was diagnosed, but his family confirmed the tragic news in statements to the press and on social media. They called his death “heartbreaking” and his battle “prolonged and courageous.”
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world,” the statement said, per PEOPLE.
He’s survived by three children from different past relationships, including Michael Archer II—whom he co-parented with the late Angie Stone. Stone also passed away this year from a severe car accident. Currently, there is no information about his memorial service or public tributes. Three albums, four Grammy awards, and countless fans, D’Angelo remained an icon from the start of his career in the mid-90s to his last breath. R.I.P. Legend!
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