Tyler Perry delivered a powerful eulogy at Angie Stone’s memorial, blending heartfelt tribute with sharp critique of the music industry’s exploitation of artists. Speaking before a grieving audience, he honored the neo-soul legend while condemning the systemic injustices that denied her—and so many others—the financial rewards they deserved.
The memorial, a celebration of Stone’s life and career, was filled with emotional speeches and moving performances from those who loved and respected her. But Perry’s words stood out. His message, raw and urgent, turned the service into a moment of reckoning for an industry long accused of exploiting Black artists.
Stone, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress, died tragically in a car accident on March 1, 2025. She had just performed at a Mardi Gras concert in Mobile, Alabama, when a semi-truck struck her vehicle near Montgomery. Her death shook the music world, not only because of her immense talent but because of the struggles she had openly shared.
She spent years battling for royalties, a fight many veteran artists know too well. Just weeks before her passing, she released a heartbreaking video revealing her ongoing financial hardships despite her decades-long influence on R&B and soul music.
Perry, known for championing underrepresented voices in entertainment, did not hold back. His frustration was palpable as he called out the industry’s failure to compensate artists fairly.
“I’m tired of seeing us struggle,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
He spoke not just as a filmmaker and media mogul but as someone who had seen the industry’s inner workings. He understood the toll it took on artists like Stone, whose music shaped generations but whose earnings never reflected her impact.
During his speech, Perry referenced Stone’s song $20 Dollars, a haunting reflection on financial hardship. The lyrics spoke to the very struggle she faced—creating timeless art while barely making ends meet.
Perry used the song as a metaphor for the broader issue, reminding the audience that Stone’s story was not unique. Countless artists, particularly Black musicians, have been denied rightful earnings while corporations profit from their work.
His words transformed grief into a call for justice. The industry, he argued, must change. Artists who pour their souls into their work should not be left behind while executives reap the benefits. Perry’s impassioned plea was a demand for reform, urging those in power to recognize the true value of creative talent.
Stone’s tragic passing underscored a truth many prefer to ignore—too many artists die without the financial security their legacies warrant. Perry’s speech was not just about mourning her; it was about ensuring her story sparks lasting change. If the industry fails to heed his warning, more legends will suffer the same fate.
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