Raphael Saadiq Goes Solo

Modern soul virtuoso Raphael Saadiq embarks on a solo expedition the next few months, a quest to top his previous works Instant Vintage and Ray Ray. After manning the production helm for soulster Lionel Richie and soulstresses Kelis, Joss Stone and Angie Stone, Saadiq notified Billboard.com of his plans to take "three or four months" to create "a record that you can clap your hands to -- that simple. It's gonna be Raphael." His as-yet-untitled album will come out on Sony BMG, followed by a tour with a full band.

Unable to scratch his artistic itch, Raphael's currently in Europe playing dates with Joss Stone, whose fantastic 3rd LP Introducing Joss Stone comes out March 20th on Virgin.