Raphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq is a Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and go-to producer for some of the top names in R&B. Born in Oakland, Raphael grew up singing gospel music and started playing bass at the age of six. On the strength of training he received at Castlemont High, Saadiq auditioned for Sheila E and landed a spot in her band supporting Prince’s 1986 world tour. Saadiq then formed Tony! Toni! Toné! with his brother D’Wayne Wiggins and cousin Timothy Riley. The trio thrived in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, racking up many hits including “Feels Good,” “Anniversary” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California).” After four TTT albums, Saadiq started the urban supergroup Lucy Pearl in 1999. His solo career began with Instant Vintage (2002) and Ray Ray (2004). Critics began taking notice with the release of his 2008 homage to classic soul, The Way I See It, and it’s follow-up, Stone Rollin’ (2011). Along with his solo work, Saadiq honed his craft as a producer, working with a wide range of artists, including Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu and Stevie Wonder. He co-wrote hits for D’Angelo and Solange, and his songs have been covered, sampled or referenced by everyone from Ed Sheeran to Drake. In 2017, he received an Academy Award nomination (Best Original Song) for “Mighty River” from Mudbound, co-written with Mary J. Blige. On TV, Saadiq is the composer in residence for Isa Rae’s hit HBO show Insecure. His next solo album, Jimmy Lee, is scheduled for release in August 2019.