D’Wayne Wiggins Reveals the Dark Truth Behind Tony! Toni! Toné & Raphael Saadiq

Tony! Toni! Toné is celebrated for timeless R&B hits like “Anniversary,” but behind their success, the band’s journey was marked by internal conflict, money troubles, and betrayal—stories now revealed by founding member D’Wayne Wiggins.

The group began in Oakland with D’Wayne Wiggins, his brother Charles Ray Wiggins (later known as Raphael Saadiq), and cousin Timothy Christian Riley. Their chemistry created a sound fans adored, but as their fame grew, so did individual ambitions.

Raphael Saadiq, always dreaming bigger, wanted to explore new sounds and break out of the group mold. He felt confined, longing to be recognized for more than just his role in the band.

Money soon became a major source of tension. With success came new friends, marriages, and shifting priorities. Members started questioning whether payments were distributed fairly.

Arguments and hurt feelings followed, but the deeper issue was Raphael’s desire to leave and grow as an artist. Unable to bring everyone together to resolve these issues, Raphael eventually walked away after a show—dropping his suitcase at home and never calling back. The split wasn’t planned, but in hindsight, the group saw it coming.

Industry executives worsened the situation. Ed Eckstein, president of Polygram Records, got involved, and the label tried to replace Raphael with Stokley Williams from Mint Condition. The move backfired, causing more confusion and pain. The label also convinced the band to move forward without Raphael’s close friend, the group’s guitarist—a betrayal that stung deeply.

As Raphael departed, other members soon followed. Elijah Baker, Antron Haley, and Carl Wheeler left, citing unfair payments and lack of transparency.

These issues came to light in the documentary “Loyalty No Royalty,” which exposed how royalties and advances weren’t shared equally. Early on, despite hit singles, the group barely made money—borrowing cars and struggling financially. Only with their second album did real money come in, but by then, the damage was done.

The financial disputes led to lawsuits. Elijah Baker, Antron Haley, and Carl Wheeler sued D’Wayne Wiggins, Raphael Saadiq, and Timothy Christian Riley, claiming they were cheated out of royalties from the double-platinum “Revival” album. They also accused the remaining members of firing their manager and lawyer, leaving them exposed. Sound Exchange later confirmed the former members’ right to receive royalties, lending credence to their claims.

After leaving Tony! Toni! Toné, Raphael Saadiq launched a successful solo career, collaborating with artists like Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Dawn Robinson in the group Lucy Pearl.

Despite initial excitement, Lucy Pearl dissolved quickly as members pursued solo paths. Saadiq continued to make music that reflected real-life struggles, earning respect for his storytelling and authenticity.

In 2023, Tony! Toni! Toné reunited for a US tour, thrilling fans. There were talks of a new album, but by late 2024, Raphael admitted the spark was gone and doubted another reunion. Tragedy struck in March 2025 when D’Wayne Wiggins died of bladder cancer, marking the end of an era.

The story of Tony! Toni! Toné is a cautionary tale about friendship, fame, and the music business. What began as a tight-knit group driven by love for music unraveled under the weight of money, ambition, and industry manipulation. Their legacy endures, but the scars of their journey remain.