Bringing Soul To His "Melody"
By Melissa Castellanos
It's appropriate that Grammy nominated R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn's soulful album "Love Behind the Melody" is going to be released right after Valentine's Day.
With his sensuous lyrics and strong yet soothing vocal range, reminiscent of the legendary Marvin Gaye or Barry White, there's a good chance listeners will get points with the ladies playing DeVaughn's music.
"Everybody can connect to that vibe," DeVaughn told The Showbuzz. "It's a conscious love album."
The album hits record stores Feb. 15.
DeVaughn, who considers himself an "R&B hippie, neo soul rocker," has been on somewhat of a love kick ever since the release of his debut disc in 2005 called "The Love Experience."
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"The Love Experience," a guitar driven album, stirred up an intense following and a fan base from Japan to Jamaica.
Staying true to his old school groove, but having grown since his previous recordings, DeVaughn has released his sophomore album "Love Behind the Melody."
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The Grammy nominated song, "Woman," which pays homage and respect to members of the opposite sex, is the first single off the album, which was produced by Chucky Thompson.
Thompson has a great track record of top-selling hits, which include "One More Chance" for the late Notorious B.I.G. as well as the Grammy-nominated album "My Life" for Mary J. Blige.
While working on "Love Behind the Melody," DeVaughn collaborated with a roster of other notable producers that include Mark Batson, Bryan Cox, Kenny Dope and Scott Storch as well as newcomer Jack Splash.
"Mark Batson is the Ferris Bueller of the music biz," comparing him to the coolest kid in school, DeVaughn explained.
According to DeVaughn, working with Batson, Thompson, Cox and Storch has been an incredible experience. Storch has also worked with A-listers, such as rapper Dr. Dre and he has produced tracks for Beyonce ("Baby Boy") and Chris Brown ("Exclusive").
While in a recording session, DeVaughn got the surprise of a lifetime when Alicia Keys popped in for a visit at 1 a.m.
"It just doesn't get any better than that," DeVaughn said.
"Raheem is a gem! A rare find, that truly sets him apart from the rest," Alicia Keys was quoted as saying of DeVaughn. "The minute you hear his voice and songs you have the instant feeling that you're among greatness. He embodies the soul and raw honesty of the legendary artists we long for. A true artist is one that can't be duplicated and Raheem DeVaughn drives in a lane all his own," she said.
When he heard that Keys was praising his music, he was flattered and honored to get her blessing.
"I have nothing but kind words for Alicia Keys," DeVaughn said. "It's very humbling coming from her."
DeVaughn had an unexpected musical collaboration with Barry Zito, starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, who took time out of his busy schedule to play the guitar on the song "Love Behind the Melody."
"Barrry Zito showed up for a jam session right before his training camp," DeVaughn said.
While growing up in Maryland, DeVaughn was captivated by music. He dove into his mother's impressive record collection to indulge in musical history and had a jazz musician father, Abdul Wadud.
Throughout his life, DeVaughn has looked up to artists who have graced the airwaves with their soft and soulful melodies, such as Prince, Marvin Gay, Curtis Mayfield and Barry White.
DeVaughn himself joined a doo wop group in college. Compelled to write and produce music on his own, he further immersed himself in the Washington D.C. music scene through open mic nights. Once he gained a following, he needed something "tangible" to sell, DeVaughn explained.
His efforts paid off at a talent show when he took home a $2,000 prize from a D.C. nightclub called Bar None. He invested his winnings in a CD burner, which proved fruitful when he later teamed up with Jive Records on his first album.
If given the chance to collaborate with any artist in the music business, he said he would love to work with James Blunt, Sade, Jamiroquai, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Erica Badu and The Roots.
Although his music may be slightly overlooked by the public, DeVaughn is patiently waiting and is thrilled to have accomplished what he has thus far.
"The humble road is the best road to take," DeVaughn said. "I have been blessed. I'd like to keep it right here and stay active and stay productive."
By Melissa Castellanos