WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Neo-soul legend Angie Stone was laid to rest in not one, but two beautiful memorial services last week — one in Atlanta and one in her home state of South Carolina. But behind the scenes of the heartfelt tributes, there was a painful reality: the late singer reportedly didn’t have enough money saved to cover her own funeral expenses. That’s when her close friend, billionaire filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry, quietly stepped in and made sure her final goodbye was worthy of her legendary voice and decades-long legacy. While Perry covered the costs out of love and admiration, he didn’t hold back about how wrong it is that a woman of Angie’s talent and contributions to music was left without financial security. At the New York premiere of his new Prime Video film Duplicity, Perry used his red carpet moment to speak truth to power: “Yes, I paid for Angie’s funeral. And I was honored to do so. But the truth is… I shouldn’t have had to.” He went on to call out the music industry, particularly its long history of underpaying and undervaluing Black women artists: “She gave her life to this industry. And like too many of our icons, she didn’t get back what she was owed. That has to change.” Angie Stone was more than just a voice — she was a pioneer. From her early days with hip-hop trio The Sequence (one of the first female rap groups to sign with a major label) to her chart-topping solo work like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” Stone’s music shaped the sound of modern soul and R&B. Despite her influence, she never reached the level of commercial wealth or recognition her male peers often received — a frustratingly familiar pattern in the entertainment world. Stone was remembered in two star-studded homegoing services, where fans, family, and fellow artists gathered to honor her life and music. From Keke Wyatt to Kirk Franklin, the ceremonies reflected just how deep her impact truly was. And thanks to Tyler Perry’s generosity, she got the send-off she deserved — not just as a singer, but as a legend. Angie Stone gave the world soul, grace, and music that still heals. That she left this world without financial comfort is a sobering reminder of the industry’s failings. But the love surrounding her, and the voices speaking up in her honor — especially Tyler Perry’s — show that her legacy will not be forgotten. Rest in power, Queen Angie. Tyler Perry: “I Paid for Her Funeral… But I Shouldn’t Have Had To”
A Career Worth Celebrating — And Protecting
Two Services, One Beautiful Goodbye
Final Thoughts
Angie Stone Died Broke, Tyler Parry Had To Pay For Funeral!
