Deep Groove Encyclopedia

Angie Stone

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Soul queen Angie Stone first burst upon the scene as a member of pioneering hip-hop group Sequence, best known for "Funk You Up" in 1980. More recently, Stone was the central figure in Vertical Hold, whose 1993 single "Seems You're Much Too Busy" reached the top 20. Her solo album, Black Diamond, was issued in 1999, and became very popular thanks to songs like "No More Rain" and "Love Junkie." Collaborators on the first album include Lenny Kravitz and then-boyfriend D'Angelo.

Stone quickly established a rapport with her fans due to her unassuming and sincere personality, making her an immediate favorite in neo-soul circles. She expanded her audience with Mahogany Soul, one of 2001's best albums.

Angie Stone's Deepest Grooves

Black Diamond (Arista, 1999)
Auspicious beginning to what should be a fruitful career. Defines her positive outlook on life, as well as her fusion of soul, rap, and funk.

Mahogany Soul (J, 2001)
Confident, assured album that expands the possibilities of Black Diamond. First single "Brotha" is a much needed statement to black men, solidifying her connection to the community. "I Wish I Didn't Miss You Anymore" is another example of Stone's ability to take a familiar groove (in this case, the O'Jays' "Backstabbers") and make it sound fresh.