D’Wayne Wiggins, a co-founder of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! passed away at 64 following a private fight with bladder cancer, according to his family, on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The news was shared two days after the family revealed that Wiggins was facing medical challenges. A native of Oakland, California, he established Tony! Toni! Toné! in the late 1980s with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, contributing significantly to the neo-soul genre.
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” the family’s statement said. “He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”
Tony! Toni! Toné! became a key figure in the New Jack Swing movement, achieving five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Their popular tracks include “Feels Good,” “Whatever You Want,” “It Never Rains (in Southern California),” “Anniversary,” and “If I Had No Loot.” They amassed three platinum albums during their initial tenure.
In 2023, the group from Oakland, California, started their first headlining tour in more than 20 years with all founding members. This reunion followed a period where members explored separate ventures, with Saadiq playing a crucial role in reuniting the band.
The group was scheduled to perform in Northern California later this month, but the event was canceled due to health issues.
Outside of Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins made a notable impact as a solo artist and producer. His debut album, “Eyes Never Lie,” was released in 2000 via Motown Records, highlighting his skills as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer.
Wiggins played a pivotal role in nurturing new talent. He worked closely with Destiny’s Child on their first three albums, contributing to their early sound. His production work also includes collaborations with Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, and India.Arie.
After the initial disbandment of Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1996, Wiggins established Grass Roots Entertainment and launched a recording studio called House of Music, continuing his dedication to mentoring young artists. This focus on artist development was a significant part of his legacy.
Wiggins also gained recognition in the Bay Area hip-hop subgenre hyphy, collaborating with various artists and groups. From 2005 to 2006, he was the bandleader on comedian D.L. Hughley’s talk show on Comedy Central.
The announcement of Wiggins’ death led to tributes from fellow musicians. Salt-N-Pepa deejay Spinderella and the vocal group En Vogue were among those who shared memories on social media after hearing of his passing.
The music industry mourns a versatile figure whose work extended beyond chart-topping hits. As a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, and mentor, D’Wayne Wiggins leaves behind a legacy marked by decades of influence in R&B, soul, and hip-hop.
