Where are they now?: Tony! Toni! Tone!

Tony! Toni! Tone! is an R&B male group originated from Oakland, California. The group consisted of all three brothers, Dwayne Wiggins, Raphael Saadiq, and Timothy Riley. Growing up in a soulful and funky environment all three brothers grew up with a father who played the blues, the three brothers were introduced to instruments and grew a love for music at a very early age. When the group made their big entrance to the music industry in 1985, they came out with their first album in1988, Who? Topping the charts with their song ‘Little Walter’ and having three other top singles in the charts, the group became a well-known, soulful group that was unstoppable. In 1990, the group decided to come out with their second album The Revival, they went gold with their first single on the album Feels Good. Tony! Toni! Tone! Did not waste any time releasing their third album Sons of Soul in 1993. Making it a double platinum and had several songs topping R&B charts once again. In 1996, Tony! Toni! Tone released their fourth and unfortunately final album House of Music, and did not have as many outstanding singles but still went platinum.

Unfortunately, the group did not stay together but that did not mean that each one would stop making music. Raphael Saadiq became a producer, producing other soulful artists and in 2000 decided to pursue a solo career himself. Saadiq released one album in 200, Instant Vintage and one in 2004, Ray Ray. In 2000, Saadiq’s other group Lucy Pearl released their own album and had two singles one member decided to drop from the commitment. After finding another band member and releasing one more single the group split up officially after. Saadiq’s other brother’s were still making appearances in the entertainment world as well. Brother Dwayne Wiggins became the band leader on D.L. Hughley’s Weekends at The D.L. until 2006 and released a solo album that flopped only selling over 100, 000 copies. The most recent any of Tony! Toni! Tone’s! Fans have heard from them is when they are in concert playing all their oldies hits, not including Raphael Saadiq since he is now a solo artist. They also featured on Alicia Key’s Diary album that topped billboard charts.

By Nyla Wissa