I don’t know how many Tony! Toni! Toné! fans are out there, but for those who aren’t, take a look at Raphael Saadiq. In the years since the Tonys stopped recording, Saadiq has come out with a number of fantastic albums blurring the line between the original R&B of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and so-called Neo-Soul.

In my opinion “Big Easy” is a perfect song. Punching horn backing, funky, fast-paced and plaintive vocals that run from smooth to heart-breaking. The theme: in 2005 the city of New Orleans was flooded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, as a result of government neglect, racism and structural isolation, the poor, people of color, and the elderly were abandoned to protect themselves and their families, find food and shelter. Saadiq is looking for his baby. He makes me wonder, is that his wife or his child?

I don’t know how many Tony! Toni! Toné! fans are out there, but for those who aren’t, take a look at Raphael Saadiq. In the years since the Tonys stopped recording, Saadiq has come out with a number of fantastic albums blurring the line between the original R&B of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and