Manuel Seal died on September 27, 2026, aged 66, according to That Eric Alper and UrbanBridgez. The musician contributed to different stages of Mariah Carey’s career, from the 1990s through The Emancipation of Mimi era.
On Daydream, released in 1995, Seal helped write and produce “Always Be My Baby.” Years later, he joined the team behind “We Belong Together,” one of the singer’s major hits.
The Recording Academy’s official record confirms Seal’s 2006 win for Best R&B Song for “We Belong Together.” The songwriting award also recognized Johnta Austin, Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri.
At the same ceremony, his work with Carey received nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year, the latter for The Emancipation of Mimi.
Seal’s career also included work with Xscape, Da Brat, TLC and Usher. His partnership with Jermaine Dupri developed after an encounter at an Atlanta hotel, where Seal was playing and singing.
According to UrbanBridgez, he began piano lessons as a child and learned other instruments as well. The website reports that Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Ann Nesby were among the music professionals who paid tribute after news of his death.