Raphael Saadiq (born Charlie Ray Wiggins on May 14, 1966 in Oakland, California) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer associated with the soul music movement. In September of this year, he released The Way I See It, “a truly cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable body of work that pays tribute to the golden era of iconic soul labels like Motown, Stax, and Hot Wax.” Entertainment Weekly goes on to state that his sound “is a foot-tapping, finger-snapping delight.” The album was nominated for three 2009 Grammy Awards nominations, including Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The Way I See It was produced by Pookie Entertainment/Columbia Records, and Sony BMG.
Saadiq said, “While making the album, I watched videos by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Four Tops … And fused them all together.”
