Raphael Saadiq Is Making Moves in the Music Industry
by Feona Sharhran Huff

After making a name for himself as a music machine and for forming groups with top-charting singles and record success, RAPHAEL SAADIQ is now singing on the solo tip -- and my, oh my, do the tunes of Instant Vintage rock! I'm not the only one who feels this way either!

For his efforts on his debut album, Raphael's been nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Albumb, Best R&B Song for "Be There," and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Be There" received for "For Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)", has been nominated for Best R&B Song, and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture. Television, or other Visual Media.

We caught up with the man behind TONI, TONY, TONE and LUCY PEARL, to not only talk about the method to his music mission, but also his scholastic scoop, and teen tips for thriving in school and in a musical career...

Go-Girl.com: How do you feel about being nominated for five Grammys?
RS: I'm very appreciative and blessed that people have recognized the effort and work that went into my debut album and "Love of My Life. I'm very thankful to my fans and peers for lending their ears.

Go-Girl.com: That's great. Now, let's talk about when it all got started for you. Where did you attend high school?
RS: Castle Mont High School in Oakland, CA, for three years. I graduated early with honors, then went straight into the music business.

Go-Girl.com: What were your best subjects in school?
RS: English and music -- (we had a very good music program).

Go-Girl.com: Were you involved in extra curricular activities?
RS: ROTC. I was on the drill and rifle teams. They taught me discipline and order.

Go-Girl.com: What is it about music that attracts you so much?
RS: My family is into music. I take it further because I fell in love with instruments. It keeps you occupied [and out of trouble].

Go-Girl.com: Did you play in a band?
RS: Yes, the Kick Band. It was a seven-member group. We played at different clubs and schools, and at Stanford University, Stanford, CA.

Go-Girl.com: Was it like when you toured with PRINCE and SHEILA E. on their "Parade" world tour?
RS: It was like a dream. I gathered a lot of wisdom and knowledge [from the experience] and knew I'd be able to use it one day for myself.

Go-Girl.com: What's the inspiration for your music and your current solo CD?
RS: I knew how to come out with something that would stand the test of time.

Go-Girl.com: As someone who's been a part of teams, whether in musical groups or in ROTC, what advice can you give today's teens on successful team work?
RS: You have to figure out everyone's bad habits and monitor them before you wind up walking into a bad situation. Secondly, make sure everyone has patience and in the 11th hour, they're not going to throw their hands up. Lastly, never play into your own ego.

Go-Girl.com: How can a shy person become a social butterfly like you were in high school?
RS: A person can join a drama class, go out and work around other people, or play a sport.

Go-Girl.com: How can students break into the music industry?
RS: Put together whatever material you need and get out there and play. Get people to like you [before you try to get signed] and find a company that best suits you (marketing wise). It takes hard work and dedication and you have to be focused. You got to love what you do and you can't let your friends talk you out [of your dream].

Go-Girl.com: So, do you ever think you'll go to college?
RS: I might. After all, education is key to knowing things!

See who won his CD!