Another legend has left the stage, and this time it’s D’Wayne Wiggins, co-founder of the iconic 90s R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! After bravely battling bladder cancer for a year, the Oakland native has crossed the rainbow bridge at just 64 years old.

Wiggins, a key player in shaping the sound of modern R&B, brought us hits like “Feels Good,” “If I Had No Loot,” and “Anniversary”. Born and raised in Oakland, Wiggins kick-started his music career in 1986 with his brother Charles Wiggins (yes, that’s Raphael Saadiq) and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley. The trio amassed six million albums sold and became a staple in '90s music.

But Wiggins didn’t stop there. His talent extended beyond the group’s success; he played a crucial role in launching Destiny’s Child, which later morphed into Beyoncé’s launching pad. Yes, folks, our beloved Bey owes part of her stardom to Wiggins. After Tony! Toni! Toné! disbanded in '96, he continued paving paths for others, mentoring the likes of Keyshia Cole and even lending his magic to Alicia Keys’s Grammy-nominated track.

The music world is richer for his contributions and poorer for his loss. In a touching post on social media, Tony! Toni! Toné! announced Wiggins passed away surrounded by family and friends. They described him as a figure who remained committed to music, his fans, and the community through his long fight against cancer.

Mayor Kevin Jenkins of Oakland summed up the city’s grief perfectly, stating that Wiggins’s work has left an indelible mark not just on Oakland but the entire music industry. “D’Wayne helped shape the sound of a generation, putting Oakland on the map in the world of R&B and beyond,” he said, and honestly, who could argue with that?

In his recent performances in the Bay Area, including a memorable 4/20 extravaganza in Golden Gate Park, Wiggins reminded us that music is a powerful bond that connects us all. As fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of this visionary, it’s clear that while Wiggins may have left his physical form, his spirit and music will continue to resonate through our playlists and hearts for years to come.

So here’s to you, D’Wayne Wiggins. Your contributions to music, culture, and the community will echo in rhythm until the end of time.