Raphael Saadiq: Music, Grief, and Songwriting

Raphael Saadiq, a true maestro of music, continues to leave his indelible mark on the industry. Fresh off the acclaim for his work on the Oscar-winning film “Sinners,” Saadiq sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to discuss his creative process, the profound impact of grief, and the enduring power of music as a universal language.

Crafting the Sound of ‘Sinners’

Saadiq’s contribution to “Sinners,” particularly the haunting song “I Lied To You,” earned him his second Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. He co-wrote and co-produced the track with composer Ludwig Göransson, delivering a melody that deeply resonated with film audiences. Remarkably, Saadiq wrote the song on spec, a process he approaches based on passion and the importance of the project.

“If this is what you do for a profession… If this is something that you really love? It’s something you love. You don’t really care about money or anything,” Saadiq explained about his dedication. He believes that when working with talented individuals and on projects that matter, the passion must be mutual. The song’s title, “I Lied To You,” even emerged spontaneously after his conversation with Göransson.

Music as a Universal Language

Reflecting on the creative process, Saadiq highlighted the power of instruments. “I was telling somebody, I think instruments and music are the only things that can make people from across the world connect,” he shared. This idea of music as a universal language is central to his artistry. He felt the song for “Sinners” was complete as is, perfectly telling the story of Sammy, a character whose struggles Saadiq understood from his own experiences growing up in a Baptist church.

Navigating Grief and Honoring Legacies

The conversation shifted to grief, particularly the recent losses of musical figures like D’Wayne Wiggins and D’Angelo. Saadiq spoke candidly about the difficulty of coping, acknowledging that the pain of losing loved ones never truly disappears. “It was definitely hard, you know. I mean, it’s not a day that goes by where I’m not thinking about both of them,” he admitted.

He shared poignant memories, including finding out about D’Wayne’s illness and the profound impact of D’Angelo’s talent. Saadiq recognized D’Angelo’s ability to elevate anything he touched, even Saadiq’s own work. Despite the sorrow, he finds solace in the fact that he thought about them daily even when they were alive.

A Pantheon of Songwriters

When placed among legendary songwriters like Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder, Saadiq expresses comfort. He humbly states that his primary focus was never on singing or fronting a band, but rather on listening, playing, and absorbing the music around him. His journey led him to songwriting, a craft he deeply loves and has dedicated immense time to mastering – an estimated 40,000 hours.

Saadiq’s career, from his beginnings with Tony! Toni! Toné! to his acclaimed solo work and film scoring, is a testament to his dedication to impactful R&B and soul music. His ability to connect deeply with his audience through his songwriting, even in the face of personal grief, solidifies his place among the greats.