Hamilton Missed D’Angelo’s Last Call, Shares Cancer Scare

Hamilton Missed D’Angelo’s Last Call, Shares Cancer Scare

Anthony Hamilton is opening up about some deeply personal moments, including a missed final phone call from the late D’Angelo and his own battle with prostate cancer. On the latest episode of Club Shay Shay, Hamilton revealed he didn’t know D’Angelo was sick until just weeks before his passing from pancreatic cancer. Hamilton recounted a specific instance where D’Angelo called him while he was getting ready for a show, but he put off answering, thinking he’d call back later.

He explained that he had D’Angelo’s number saved under a different name, “D Bully.” Hamilton tried calling back several times, but D’Angelo didn’t pick up. Reflecting on that missed connection, Hamilton expressed no deep regret, stating he felt he understood D’Angelo’s spirit and what he might have wanted to say. He believes D’Angelo would have expressed appreciation and love, rather than burdening him with heavy news.

D’Angelo’s Passing and Cancer Awareness

The news of D’Angelo’s death hit Hamilton while he was on the road, preparing for a show in Atlanta. The conversation then shifted to the importance of early cancer testing, especially for Black men. Hamilton stressed that catching illnesses like pancreatic cancer early significantly improves the chances of beating them with proper medical care and lifestyle changes.

Hamilton bravely shared his own experience with prostate cancer, which he caught early thanks to regular testing. He knew he had a higher risk because his father died at 39, and two of his uncles passed away before age 50 due to cancer. Because of this family history, Hamilton started getting tested at age 35, a proactive step that ultimately saved him.

A Routine Checkup Uncovers Trouble

During a routine checkup that included a colonoscopy, Hamilton’s doctor also recommended testing for prostate cancer, even though he had no symptoms and his PSA levels were normal. A few months later, a different person from the doctor’s office called him, which immediately put his antennas up. He usually only received calls when everything was okay.

The call informed him that while everything looked fine, they wanted to monitor him. Hamilton went back in a couple of months later, got everything taken care of, and has been healthy ever since. He strongly encourages others to get their “grown man checkups,” including EKGs, ultrasounds, and checks on all internal organs, emphasizing the peace of mind it brings.

Remembering Angie Stone

The conversation also touched on Hamilton’s fond memories of the late singer Angie Stone, whom he also performed at her funeral. He recalled a difficult time when he was asked to view her body before the funeral. Hamilton was hesitant, not wanting to see her in a state that would upset him, given how hard it was to accept she was gone.

However, he went and was struck by how peaceful she looked, even with a slight smirk, which he felt was “in all Angie Stone fashion.” He also shared a funny story from working on a duet with Angie in New York City during a blizzard. They left the studio at 4 a.m. And had to find a cab willing to pick them up, leading to a slippery, sliding adventure in the snow where Angie almost fell.

D’Angelo’s Personal Tragedies

Hamilton also spoke about D’Angelo’s current struggles, noting the immense pain of losing his mother and father tragically. He expressed deep sympathy, stating he couldn’t imagine going through such loss and wouldn’t wish it on his own children. He offered prayers for D’Angelo, asking for comfort and healing.

Hamilton did attend a Drake and D’Angelo show in Toronto, accompanying Drake. He described the experience as “pretty cool,” highlighting D’Angelo’s unique ability to cross over into different genres. Hamilton himself is known for his ability to connect with various musical styles, from R&B to country and rock.

Hamilton’s Musical Versatility

Hamilton explained that his love for music allows him to connect with any genre. He can perform rap songs like an R&B artist, and he’s collaborated with country artists like Josh Turner and John Rich, as well as rock legend Carlos Santana. He feels these collaborations are a natural extension of who he is and never feel out of character.

He revealed he is even working on a country album because he believes in stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, much like he admires Beyoncé for doing. Hamilton emphasized the importance of bravery in today’s world, where people may try to dictate who you should be. He believes in embracing all the different versions of oneself and pursuing happiness.

The episode concluded with an invitation to join Club Shay Shay by hitting the subscribe button, promising more engaging conversations with interesting guests.

Source: Shannon Sharpe's Cancer Battle & Anthony Hamilton Missed D’Angelo’s Last Phone Call I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)