In a heartfelt and powerful moment, Tyler Perry stood up during the memorial service for the late singer Angie Stone to demand justice for her and to express his anger toward the music industry for its treatment of talented Black artists. The service, held on March 10, 2025, at the Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell, Georgia, honored Stone’s life and the impact she made in the music world before her tragic death in a car accident on March 1 of the same year.
Remembering Angie Stone
The memorial was more than just a goodbye to Angie Stone; it was a celebration of her remarkable career. Angie, known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, faced many challenges in her life, especially regarding financial struggles within the music industry. Tyler Perry took this moment to reflect on her legacy, helping everyone remember the joy she brought to many through her music, including her hit song “No More Rain (In This Cloud).”
Perry’s Emotional Tribute
Tyler Perry addressed the crowd, blending heartfelt tributes with pointed critiques of the music industry. He expressed his outrage over the unfair treatment Angie received, particularly focusing on the issue of unpaid royalties. Perry said, “I’m tired of seeing us struggle!” This powerful statement resonated deeply with those in attendance, shining a light on the overarching problem of artist exploitation.
Music Industry Issues Highlighted
The sadness of Angie Stone’s passing sparked conversations about how the music industry has treated Black artists. Perry’s speech highlighted Stone’s own struggles and frustrations over unpaid royalties, especially her experience with Universal Music Group in the months before her death. In one of her last posts, she publicly called out the company for withholding payments, stating that the lack of support made her financial challenges even harder.
Tyler Perry’s Call for Change
During his eulogy, Perry did more than just share memories; he demanded answers and accountability from the music industry. He referenced Angie’s song “$20 Dollars,” which reflects the financial struggles many artists face. He said that Angie’s story is not just hers; it’s a story shared by many of her peers who deserve better treatment and fair payment for their work.
Community Support and Action
Perry’s words sparked a call to action for the community to rally around artists and support reforms for a fairer music industry. His passionate remarks encouraged everyone to be advocates for change, making sure that the struggles of artists like Angie Stone are recognized and addressed by those in power.
A Lasting Legacy
Angie Stone’s memorial service might have been a sad occasion, but it transformed into a powerful moment calling for unity and change in the music industry. Tyler Perry reminded everyone that while we mourn, we also need to stand together and speak out against injustices faced by artists. Angie’s legacy will not just be remembered for her music, but also for the impact that her story has had on the community advocating for justice and fairness.
The Impact of the Service
This emotional memorial service represents both a farewell and a rallying cry for change. Perry’s condemnation of the unfair treatment in the music industry at Angie’s service serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and fighting for justice, especially in the entertainment realm where many talented individuals continue to face similar hardships. As we honor Angie Stone’s legacy, let us also strive for a better future for all artists.
