Queen Latifah has hailed Sly Stone as a “genius.” The tribute comes as the music world mourns the loss of one of funk’s most influential pioneers, whose impact on modern music cannot be overstated.
The 55-year-old star has taken to social media to heap praise on the funk legend, who “passed away peacefully” following a lengthy battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive lung disease that affects millions of Americans and remains a leading cause of death in the United States.
“RIP to Sly Stone. Innovator, funk aficionado, and frontman of Sly and The Family Stone,” she wrote on X alongside a throwback video of Stone performing on stage. “If you want to learn about the musically profound and complex life of Sly Stone, Questlove recently released his documentary on Hulu and Disney Plus. Worth a watch to honor the genius behind Sly and the Family Stone and funk as we know it.” The documentary has received widespread critical acclaim from music critics and historians alike.
Public Enemy star Chuck D has also paid tribute to Stone. The veteran rapper, who has been a prominent figure in hip-hop culture for decades, recognized Stone’s enduring influence on contemporary music and artists across multiple generations.
The 64-year-old rapper noted that Questlove, of the hip-hop band Roots, has helped to introduce a new generation of fans to Stone’s music. Questlove, whose real name is Ahmir Thompson, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting funk music history through various multimedia projects and educational initiatives.
“Rest In Beats SLY Stone ..and we should THANK @questlove of @theroots for keeping his FIRE blazing in this Century. 2 documentaries and book . GET EM (sic),” he wrote on X. The Roots have served as cultural ambassadors for hip-hop and funk music, bridging generational gaps through their performances and collaborations.
Stone was best-known as the frontman for Sly and the Family Stone, and he is widely seen as one of the most influential figures in the history of funk music. The band broke significant social and musical barriers, creating a unique sound that blended rock, soul, funk, and psychedelic elements into something entirely revolutionary.
His death was announced by his family, who also paid a glowing tribute to the late musician. Stone’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings, inspiring countless artists across genres and helping to shape the sound of modern popular music.
“After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” they said in a statement. The family’s statement emphasized the personal side of the music legend, highlighting his role as a father and friend beyond his public persona.
“While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come,” the family continued. Stone’s children have been actively involved in preserving his musical heritage and managing his artistic estate in recent years.
“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” the statement emphasized. His revolutionary approach to music production and performance helped bridge racial divides during turbulent times in American history.
“His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.” The memoir provides intimate insights into his creative process and personal struggles throughout his career.
Stone’s hits including “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “I Want to Take You Higher” became anthems of unity and celebration. His pioneering use of integrated bands and his message of harmony through music broke significant social barriers during the civil rights era.
The funk legend’s innovative musical arrangements and production techniques continue to influence contemporary artists. His work laid the foundation for hip-hop culture, with his compositions being extensively sampled and referenced by modern musicians across various genres.
Stone’s legacy extends beyond music into social activism and cultural change. His performances at major festivals and concerts helped promote messages of peace, love, and unity during some of America’s most challenging social periods.
