Raphael Saadiq explains the meaning behind 'I Lied to You' from 'Sinners' — and shares memorable anecdotes about Whitney, Prince, and D’Angelo

When Raphael Saadiq received the invitation to create a track for Sinners, he had no details about the plot, mood, or the specific role his music would play. What he did know was the caliber of the collaborators: director Ryan Coogler and composer Ludwig Gransson. Saadiq had previously walked a similar path, earning an Oscar nomination in 2018 for co-writing Mary J. Bliges powerful anthem Mighty River for Mudbound, but this project presented an entirely different challenge.

Im always thrilled to collaborate with visionary directors and composers like Ludwig and Ryan, Saadiq shared. The call itself was exciting, but I had no idea what I was stepping into. They didnt give me a script or briefjust an invitation to talk.

Crafting the Sound of Sinners

Saadiqs first session with Gransson was guided purely by instinct. Without references to scenes or scripts, they experimented together, feeling out the emotion of the music. He was deeply immersed in the film, giving me insights, and Ryan would provide his perspective. Then suddenly Ryan said, Can we record this today?

In Granssons studio, surrounded by guitars, the two jammed until the sound resonated. Saadiq then retreated to write lyrics, while Gransson continued composing. Only later did Saadiq realize the songs pivotal role in the film. Ludwig told me, This is the one. Its going to be woven throughout the movie.

Why I Lied to You Shines in the Film

I Lied to You becomes central during a key scenea surreal, mid-party sequence that celebrates the evolution of Black music. It starts with Sammie (Miles Caton) performing at Club Juke and transitions into Delta Slims (Delroy Lindo) monologue about the blues as an inherited experience, not an imposed tradition. The scene then layers multiple eras: 70s rock, 80s hip-hop, breakdancers, and West African drumming converge into a timeless musical tapestry.

Saadiq wasnt present for the filming, attending an Essence Festival instead, but he was stunned when he finally saw the sequence on the big screen. He credits Caton with elevating the song: His performance made it feel spiritual, like an ancestor was singing through him. My role was like the quarterbackpassing the ball to Miles, who ran it for the touchdown.

Collaborations with Icons: Whitney, DAngelo, Prince, and Sheila E

Saadiq reflected on his method of deciding whether to keep a song or hand it to another artist. He recalls writing Fine for Whitney Houston with Q-Tip on the spot, managing the delicate process of guiding her through multiple takes with tact and encouragement.

On DAngelo, Saadiq recalls a brotherly bond, performing in a gospel-style quartet on The Chris Rock Show, clad in Armani suits, and sharing playful competitive energy over video games.

Saadiq also reminisces about his formative years with Prince and Sheila E. Sheila E. demonstrated discipline and ingenuity, sometimes guiding the band remotely, while Prince taught him presence and mystique. One vivid memory involved Prince commanding attention at a Lenny Kravitz concert simply through the presence of his band, creating an unforgettable lesson in performance charisma.

Staying Relevant Through Passion

Rather than chasing trends, Saadiqs longevity stems from a love for music itself. From his early days with Tony! Toni! Ton! to winning a Grammy with Beyoncs creative team, he remains grounded by the joy of instruments and the challenge of crafting meaningful sounds. Forty years in, Saadiq continues to answer that call with the same dedication that first defined his career.

Author: Logan Reeves