The music world has long celebrated Raphael Saadiq for his ability to infuse soul into every note. Yet, behind many of those notes lay personal tales of struggle, triumph, and the kind of artistry that comes from deep within the trenches of experience. The recent wave of accomplishments surrounding the song “I Lied to You,” co-created with Ludwig Göransson for the film Sinners — which notched a staggering 16 Academy Award nominations — provides a fresh chapter in Saadiq’s storied career.

2025 was a year marked by personal tribulations for Saadiq. The loss of his brother and Tony! Toni! Toné! collaborator D’Wayne Wiggins, along with the sudden passing of his close friend, renowned musician D’Angelo, cast a shadow over his world. These events, he said, made producing the acclaimed song a bittersweet process. In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, Saadiq revealed that although grappling with such intense grief was difficult, it also became a form of motivation. Creating and collaborating became his catharsis, fueling what he termed “a battery in my back.”

Saadiq’s collaborative process on “I Lied to You” unfolded organically. Initially, he was presented with merely a blues concept from director Ryan Coogler and composer Ludwig Göransson. Trusting his instincts and reverence for musical history, Saadiq crafted an evocative piece that wove elements of blues pioneers like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf into its tapestry. “I didn’t read the script,” admitted Saadiq, “but it just started flowing.” Through musical spontaneity and soulful precision, he tapped into the spirit that his own father, Charlie Wiggins, encapsulated as a blues singer.

As Saadiq’s work transitions seamlessly from blues to be interwoven with modern narratives in hip-hop and film, he exemplifies resilience and the enduring relevance of Black music traditions. The Academy’s acknowledgment of “I Lied to You” with an Oscar nod was, for Saadiq, a testament to the timeless influence of the blues genre. “The blues was their church,” he said, before reflecting on the parallels between secular music’s misunderstood history and personal storytelling.

Saadiq’s approach has always been rooted in authenticity and honoring historical influences. This commitment is apparent in his recollection of conversations with D’Angelo, who also faced criticism for exploring secular music. As Saadiq fondly reminisced about their shared roots and musical kinship, the emotional layers unraveled in his words. He’s often inspired by the memories of working closely alongside prolific artists, and how these memories fuel his enduring love for music.

Looking forward, Saadiq remains creatively charged, channeling his energies into new projects including works for his vinyl club and a forthcoming album. He’s letting the spirit of collaboration and the heartbeat of live performances guide his next artistic moves. With the legacy of friends and family interwoven into his music, he assured fans that, “I’m working hard, and there’s much more to come.”

Saadiq’s journey is a reminder of the resilience and dynamism of artists who face unimaginable personal sorrows yet rise, imbued with newfound depth and wisdom. His story is not only a personal victory but also an emblematic chapter in the rich, ever-unfolding saga of music’s power to heal and transcend.