D’Wayne Wiggins, a key figure in the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer, as confirmed by his family on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The news followed an earlier announcement by the Wiggins family regarding the singer’s medical issues.
Wiggins, originally from Oakland, California, co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in the late 1980s with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, helping to establish a modern neo-soul sound.
The family’s statement noted, “D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California.” He was committed to developing and mentoring young musicians.
Tony! Toni! Toné! became prominent in the New Jack Swing movement, achieving five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Their popular tracks included “Feels Good,” “Whatever You Want,” “It Never Rains (in Southern California),” “Anniversary,” and “If I Had No Loot,” and they earned three platinum albums.
In 2023, the group from Oakland, California, began its first headlining tour in over 20 years with all original members. This reunion occurred after years of individual pursuits, spurred mainly by Saadiq’s efforts to reunite the band.
A planned performance in Northern California later this month was canceled due to Wiggins’ illness.
Besides his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins had a notable solo and production career. His debut album, “Eyes Never Lie,” was released in 2000 under Motown Records and highlighted his skills as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer.
Wiggins played a significant role in nurturing new talent, collaborating with Destiny’s Child on their first three albums and contributing to the early work of Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, and India.Arie.
After Tony! Toni! Toné! initially split in 1996, Wiggins founded Grass Roots Entertainment and opened House of Music, a recording studio where he continued to mentor young artists, a key part of his legacy.
Wiggins was influential in the Bay Area hip-hop subgenre hyphy, working with various artists and groups. From 2005 to 2006, he was the bandleader for D.L. Hughley’s talk show on Comedy Central.
Musical colleagues have paid tribute to Wiggins. Spinderella, DJ from Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue expressed condolences on social media following his death.
The music industry mourns the loss of a versatile artist whose influence spanned R&B, soul, and hip-hop. As a guitarist, producer, composer, and mentor, D’Wayne Wiggins leaves a lasting legacy.
