Saadiq: Film's Muse for Music Hits

Musician Raphael Saadiq, a Grammy winner known for his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Lucy Pearl, and numerous solo artists, attributes much of his musical inspiration to film and cinematography. His early work with director John Singleton produced hits like "Me & You" for "Boyz n the Hood." A notable success is "Keep Marching," originally intended for the film "The Express," which became his most licensed song after being repurposed for his album "The Way I See It."

Saadiq is now poised for a potential Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for co-writing "I Lied to You" in the film "Sinners." He views his solo albums as "small movies in my head" and thrives on high-concept projects and collaborations with passionate individuals. His recent collaboration with Beyoncé on "Cowboy Carter," resulting in the track "Bodyguard," also highlights his ability to adapt and elevate a song based on a visionary's input.

His work on "Sinners" involved a deep connection to its themes, particularly the blues, inspired by director Ryan Coogler's vision and his own generational ties to the genre. Collaborating with composer Ludwig Göransson, Saadiq crafted "I Lied to You," which was later integrated into the film with expanded musical arrangements by Göransson. This process solidified Saadiq's belief in working with visionaries who can amplify his creative contributions.