Raphael Saadiq
Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame Member
Grammy-Winning Musician and Producer
From Oakland Streets to Grammy Stages
Growing up in Oakland, California, Raphael Saadiq found refuge at the Oakland Boys Club, a place where he could “do the right thing and still fit in.” While violence plagued his neighborhood, the Club offered an alternative path through activities like bumper pool, woodshop, and most importantly, music programs.
The Club's summer camp program proved transformative, getting him out of the city and onto the stage for talent shows. These early performances built the confidence and skills that would lead to an extraordinary breakthrough—at just 17, he earned a spot touring with the legendary Prince.
As a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael helped create some of R&B's most beloved hits. His evolution into a solo artist and sought-after producer has seen him work with music's biggest names while maintaining the authenticity and soul that defined his Oakland roots.
"The Oakland Boys Club was a place where a kid could do the right thing and still fit in."
- Raphael Saadiq
Musical Milestones
Tony! Toni! Toné! Founder
Multi-platinum R&B group success
Grammy Award Winner
Multiple Grammy wins and nominations
Toured with Prince
Earned spot at just 17 years old
Producer & Songwriter
Worked with D'Angelo, Solange, John Legend
Solo Artist
Acclaimed solo albums and tours
Music Innovator
Bridged classic soul with modern R&B
The Sound of Possibility
Raphael Saadiq's journey from the Oakland Boys Club to Grammy-winning artist shows how safe spaces and creative outlets can transform lives. His story resonates with the rhythm of hope—proof that when young people have alternatives to the streets and stages for their talents, they can create music that moves the world.