D’Wayne Wiggins, his brother Raphael Saadiq, and their cousin Timothy Riley were best known as Tony, Toni, Toné. But what you may not know about Wiggins, who passed away March 7, 2025, is just how deep his roots run in the music community and beyond. Here are three facts about the much-adored musician.
#1 He helped guide Destiny’s Child to stardom. The composer, guitarist, and producer worked with the group before they signed a major record deal. Wiggins believed in mentoring budding musicians and collaborated with artists such as Alicia Keys, India.Arie, and Keyshia Cole.
#2 He was a filmmaker. Though he’s best known for his music on the soundtracks to Menace II Society and Boyz n the Hood, he also produced films, the most recent a Life Is, a documentary about rapper Too Short.
#3 His favorite song was “Feels Good,” because what started out as a funk song pulled in elements of hip-hop, break dance and gospel music to become the hit that it was.
Wiggins will be remembered for his generosity, and his music reminds us all of the power in living, working, and loving in community.