R&B icon Raphael Saadiq was on the defensive after a photo he posted to his Instagram showing him sitting next to accused rapist Marilyn Manson during an event for Kanye West's new "Donda" album went viral for all the wrong reasons. 

Good News

Raphael Saadiq will serve as the executive music producer for an upcoming series about the late legendary songstress Aretha Franklin.

Nation

The project follows a 17-year-old Black boy named Jacobi Nelson as he travels throughout his day, ultimately leading to a shattering encounter with the police.

A musical is only as good as the music it presents, and it appears that Raphael Saadiq may have been the perfect choice as the musical director for “Black Nativity,” which will be in theaters on Wednesday. Saadiq spoke with NewsOne Now about the opportunity that almost didn’t happen, saying, “It definitely was a challenge. […]