Tribute to Dwayne Wiggins: Mike D Reflects on the Legacy, Music, and Oakland Roots of a Bay Area Giant

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19d ago 59:58

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Remembering the Unofficial Mayor of Oakland

In a heartfelt tribute, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with renowned producer and former Tony! Toni! Ton! band member Mike D to honor the late Dwayne Wiggins”musician, mentor, and cultural anchor. Described as the unofficial mayor of Oakland, Wiggins left a deep imprint on the local and global music scenes, not just as a performer but as a mentor, studio visionary, and cultural bridge builder.

The Soundtrack of a Generation

The conversation opened with Wiggins track Aint Gonna Cry for You, which Mike D selected as a sonic representation of Dwaynes melodic genius. It had that rhythm, that swing”but also those beautiful chords, Mike said. He emphasized how Wiggins musical sensibility combined soul and funk in a way that reflected both his Oakland roots and his global ambitions.

Mike D, who toured with Tony! Toni! Ton! as a keyboardist beginning in 2018, credited Wiggins with having a unique presence”both down-to-earth and deeply visionary. He was that millionaire walking the block with his dog, talking to everybody like family, Mike recalled.

From Oakland to Africa: Global Reach, Local Roots

While many know Wiggins for his chart-topping hits, fewer may know about his international musical diplomacy. Davey D recalled Wiggins proudly mentioning trips to Ghana and Nigeria, including performances at the historic Shrine”Fela Kutis legendary venue. Though Mike D didnt make those trips, he shared Wiggins humorous recollection of feeling exhausted after a 45-minute set, only to be humbled when Felas son performed for eight hours straight.

Pioneering Sounds and Industry Disruption

Davey and Mike revisited the origins of Tony! Toni! Ton!”a group that defied genre labels. Long before the term hip-hop soul became popularized by Mary J. Blige, the Tonys had already crafted a distinct sound that blended funk, R&B, and Bay Area flavor. Songs like Feels Good broke commercial barriers and landed the group on pop charts, opening doors that soul records often struggled to unlock due to label bias.

Mike D emphasized the Bays unmistakable musical identity: Its in the colors, the chords, the bass lines, he explained. Wed take East Coast Hip Hop, remix it in the frying pan, throw in some more seasoning”and now its Oakland.

Mentorship and the Oakland Compound Legacy

Wiggins wasnt just a performer”he was a nurturer of talent. From working with a young Beyonc and Destinys Child to mentoring local artists like Kehlani, Wiggins cultivated what Mike called magic”a collaborative energy rooted in shared musical vision. He made it a point to build community hubs like his West Oakland studio and the East Oakland Compound, a warehouse that doubled as a creative oasis. During the pandemic, it hosted everything from Latin music sessions to underground comedy shows.

He couldve left town like others, said Davey D. But he chose to stay rooted. That says a lot.

A Legacy of Groove and Growth

Reflecting on Wiggins work ethic and creative generosity, Mike D said, He gave you space to grow. He wanted to party on stage”but he also expected your A-game. That balance of laid-back energy and unspoken excellence shaped a band dynamic that Mike described as nothing short of magical.

In closing, Mike offered a simple but powerful remembrance: It was an adventure. It was family. It was an honor. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Tribute to Dwayne Wiggins: Mike D Reflects on the Legacy, Music, and Oakland Roots of a Bay Area Giant appeared first on KPFA.

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