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Raphael Saadiq talks working with Cordae, Alicia Keys and more during the pandemic

by

Moses Mitchell

Grammy-winner Raphael Saadiq says he’s been creatively using his time during the pandemic to work with several fellow Grammy-winning artists. 

The singer/songwriter and producer tells ABC Audio he’s been working with a few artists he hasn’t really worked with before.

“I did something with Cordae. We hooked up. He’s super talented, super cool, way chill, and really good and a cool person,” says Saadiq. “I’ve worked with Alicia [Keys]. We’ve worked together before. A small bit, and we’ve been working a lot. I’ve just been very fortunate to work with some cool people during COVID.”

During the pandemic, Saadiq has also worked with Oscar-nominated singer Andra Day to co-write the Oscar-nominated song, “Tigress and Tweed,” from the Hulu film, The United States vs. Billie Holiday.

“I like working with people that’s really talented, or just already have something in that wingspan where I could sort of enhance it or they can enhance what I’m doing,” Saadiq continues. “So that’s what it’s about for me. I just try to be in the band. Everybody knows I never call myself a producer. When I’m working with somebody, since I started in a band, I just say ‘I’m just part of the band.'”

The longtime Tony! Toni! Toné! member says he enjoys contributing to the work of others, including composing music for Issa Rae‘s hit HBO series, Insecure, which will air its fifth and final season this year. 

“I’m definitely going to be all over this one…singing over it. I sang a lot of songs in the last one. I think I’ll do a few more in this one,” says Saadiq.

By Rachel George
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