‘Sinners’ Songwriter Raphael Saadiq - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-02-13

Duration: 46 min

Summary

In this episode, Raphael Saadiq discusses his musical journey, the development of his craft, and his recent collaboration on the film 'Sinners,' highlighting the emotional depth and personal connection in his songwriting.

What Happened

Raphael Saadiq, a Grammy Award-winning artist, shares his rich musical background and influences during an interview with Tanya Mosley. He recounts discovering his voice at a young age while singing in church, where he first experienced the powerful connection between music and audience. Despite his initial reluctance to take on a frontman role, Saadiq's talent led him to become a prominent figure in multiple successful groups, including Tony! Toni! Toné! and Lucy Pearl, as well as collaborating with major artists across genres.

The discussion also delves into Saadiq's latest project, the film 'Sinners,' for which he co-wrote the song 'I Lied to You' with Ludwig Göransson. The song serves as an emotional centerpiece for the film, and Saadiq reflects on how the opportunity arose through his connection with director Ryan Coogler. He emphasizes the importance of the song's lyrics, particularly the line, 'they say the truth hurts, so I lied to you,' which encapsulates the complexities of familial love and truth-telling. Throughout the episode, Saadiq's passion for music and storytelling shines, showcasing his ability to blend personal experiences with broader themes of love and struggle.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How did Raphael Saadiq discover his singing voice?

Raphael Saadiq found his voice at a young age while singing in a church in Oakland, California. He was asked to perform a song for Easter Sunday, and despite being nervous, the positive response from the congregation encouraged him. Although he didn't sing again until later in high school, that early experience was pivotal in recognizing his musical talent.

What was Raphael Saadiq's role in the film 'Sinners'?

In 'Sinners,' Raphael Saadiq co-wrote the film's signature song, 'I Lied to You,' with Ludwig Göransson. This song plays a crucial emotional role in the film, and Saadiq's background in blues music made him a perfect fit for the project. He quickly wrote the song after being approached by Ryan Coogler, highlighting his ability to create meaningful music under tight timelines.

What influences shaped Raphael Saadiq's musical style?

Saadiq's musical style is heavily influenced by his experiences with older music genres, particularly blues and gospel. He mentions the late Isaac Hayes, who taught him that music's essence transcends time, emphasizing the importance of feeling in music. Saadiq's early exposure to these genres has instilled in him a desire to capture the emotional depth of music, which he strives to convey in his work.

What does Raphael Saadiq say about being a frontman?

Initially, Raphael Saadiq did not aspire to be a frontman; he preferred playing bass and supporting other singers. His role changed when he became involved with Tony! Toni! Toné! where he was encouraged to take on more vocal responsibilities. Despite his initial reluctance, he has since embraced his position as a leading artist in the music industry.

How does Raphael Saadiq approach songwriting for film?

Saadiq approaches songwriting for film by immersing himself in the story and emotions of the characters. When writing 'I Lied to You,' he adapted his initial thoughts after learning more about the film's narrative, focusing on the relationship between the characters. This ability to connect the song's lyrics to the film's themes demonstrates his skill in crafting music that resonates with both the story and the audience.