Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to partner up with the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC to review Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq on his first tour in several years. This seven-city tour was announced just as he was set to finish work on his anticipated fifth solo album and first since 2011’s Stone Rollin’.
I was introduced to Raphael Saadiq’s music in his earlier days as a member of the multiplatinum group Tony! Toni! Toné!, where we were blessed with songs like “Anniversary,” Whatever you want” and “It never rains in southern California.” After Tony! Toni! Toné!, he produced music for many legends and also became a legendary solo artist himself.
The evening started with the very talented DJ and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest. He did a fantastic job warming the crowd up. He had the crowd bumping! We literally could have partied with him all night and left satisfied. Nowadays, anyone with a laptop is calling themselves a DJ but honestly, there is real science and je ne sais quoi to being a real DJ, and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad has it.
After he got the feel of the room just where he wanted it and ready for Raphael, he thanked everyone for rocking with him and introduced Raphael Saadiq. The stage went dark, and from stage left, out came Raphael. The lights stayed dark, with just a beautiful blue light glowing from both sides of the top of the stage while Raphael and his band played this electrify melody. If you closed your eyes, you might have even felt like you were floating, that’s how euphoric the tune was. The audience exploded into applause once the song ended and the spotlight hit Raphael’s face.
He thanked everyone for coming out, and he expressed how much he loved DC. He then went on to explain that the night was dedicated to Jimmy Lee, his deceased brother. His fifth solo album is also titled Jimmy Lee that will release this year in late 2018. He shared a few of his new songs off of the album with us, one of my favorites was his song about prison reform, such a beautiful, strong message.
Though we were all super excited to hear his new music, since his hiatus, I think he knew what we were anticipating. Once those first few guitar notes played for “Anniversary,” there was a loud uproar in the room. Everyone was up on their feet, and a few were in the ales singing and swaying from side to side. It was the most beautiful sight to see. The love in that room for Raphael was stronger then ever, it was like he was never gone.
The rest of the evening was filled with all of his classics from back in the day, and that is how he closed the evening out. He sounded fantastic, hitting every note and a few extra. Raphael Saadiq is a classic example of longevity, lasting love of music, and legacy, he is going to be around for a long time, and I am excited to go along for the ride.
Thank you again to The Kennedy Center for the breathtaking opportunity. Please make sure to check out their website for a calendar of there upcoming shows.
Instagram: @raphaelsaadiq
Instagram: @kennedycenter
Naomi is a stylish, adventurous traveler. She’s a bit of a daredevil that loves excursions. Those that know her, call her a shoe connoisseur. She is also obsessed with music and has a playlist for just about any mood. She’s a foodie that loves a good vegetarian/vegan spot. Want to know where she is headed next… stay tuned to find out!
