As a child, I dreamed many dreams. To be a doctor, ballet dancer, and most recently to be lawyer, journalist and even a television host but when you ask DC native, Raheem DeVaughn about his dreams, he'll tell you it has always been to sing. But what do you do with a gift that has the ability to touch millions? You use it to impact the lives of others on and off stage. On stage, DeVaughn has performed from Japan to Jamaica, racking up a host of awards and recognition along the way, including 2 Grammy nominations, several BETJ Awards, and even an ASCAP award. Off stage, the father of 2, can be found mentoring at local schools, participating in charity events as well as supporting local talent through his new independent music label 368 Music Group, of which he is the co founder.
Get to know, Raheem DeVaughn.. The Man Behind the Music..
Songwriter. Recording Artist. Father. Son. Soulful Musician. Superstar. Iconic Philanthropist in the making. On stage, he is what I like to call "one of the hardest working men in show business." The modern James Brown of our time. With 2 hit major label releases, "The Love Experience" and "Love Behind the Melody" DeVaughn has a deep musical catalog that also includes 8 mixtapes, and several independent releases. The newest mixtape, "Mr. February (March Madness)" was released January 15, 2010, in preparation for his new album, "The Love and War Masterpeace" which hits stores everywhere March 2, 2010. Talk about busy. With DeVaughn's newest mixtape, available for FREE download on 368 Music Group, his artistic creativity and strong vocal ability allow for remakes of classic's like "Never Too Much" to still remain soulful favorites. Released for the "devoted fans", the 23 song mix of original material and classic remakes, is the perfect soundtrack to hold you over until the 3rd LP hits stores .
"The Love and War Masterpeace," set to be a double disk, is used as DeVaughn's musical platform to tell stories of what he calls, "reflective of the times." From the war side of the album, the lead single, "Bulletproof" comes with a very strong political message. DeVaughn tells Sound - Savvy, "I actually wrote the it [Bulletproof] while Bush was in office. Now, with Obama making the announcement that he's sending in 30,000 mrore troops into Arghanistan, it's right on time. ...It's a sign of the times. Where we are as a people and where we are as a world. I just try to make music that reflects upon the times...." That side of the album also includes "Can I Live" featuring Damien Marley and "Nobody Wins a War.." featuring an all star cast of Anthony Hamiliton, Chrisette Michele, Chico Debarge, and Jill Scott, just to name a few.
But ladies, don't worry, the self-proclaimed, "R&B, hippie, neo-soul, rockstar" hasn't forgotten about love, which he thinks is very important on an existential level. With his successful formula for slow jams and ballads, DeVaughn lends his smooth vocals to the "love" side of the album for tracks like "My Wife", "Microphone" and "Bedroom" and my personal favorite and album second single, "I Don't Care".
As a well noted songwriter, DeVaughn has written songs for R&B favorites like Usher and Jamie Foxx. And what most don't know is DeVaughn never writes a song down. Like some of the music geniuses, Jay Z included, DeVaughn heads in the booth and records what he feels without the single use of a pen or piece of paper. Add to that, despite his insurmountable success, DeVaughn still remains humble, down to earth and actually quite funny.
Now, what's most amazing is DeVaughn's challenge to entertainer's to represent a new breed with a slightly higher calling than just.. "putting out hit records." A challenge that not only makes him a walking billboard for "talking to the talk" or in this case "singing the song" but also walking the walk. Off stage, DeVaughn balances a steady home life, music label and participation in numerous charity events with DMV Helps Haiti, noted as his most recent. At any given time, DeVaughn can be found mentoring and speaking at local schools and continually giving back however he may see fit. Last year, along with his 368 Music Group artist, Phil Ade' and 100 kids from the Trinidad Recreation Center, DeVaughn assisted in efforts to improve and beautify a community in the Washington, DC area. For the fans, singer Raheem DeVaughn, regularly streams live on location to give just a little incite into his daily happenings and on occassion, has even given money for calling in or watching his videos. Together, with his participation in Kicks 4 Kids as well as holiday toy, food and cloth drives up and down the east coast, these acts serve as a great example of an iconic philanthropist in the making.
Recently, DeVaughn was featured on Global Grind, a hip hop website powered by hip hop mogul Russell Simmons, which regularly features celebrities as bloggers. DeVaughn posed a strong question originally asked by the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "What are you doing for others?" He noted there are walking leaders among us who should be recognized for their individual efforts to positively shape the lives of todays youth. He's openly spoken up and identified our power to make change and we should too.
Garnering comparisons to Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, catching up with the soulful crooner at the BET Honors Afterparty was nothing short of refreshing. While fans asked for pictures, he smiled and held friendly conversations them. His cool persona, humble demeanor and charming smile, spoke volumes and allowed me to get to know... Raheem DeVaughn. Songwriter. Recording Artist. Father. Son. Soulful Musician. Superstar. Iconic Philanthropist in the making.
And now.. you know him too.. Raheem DeVaughn.. The Man Behind the Music.
Dont forget to download, "Mr. February (March Madness)" for FREE on 368 Music Group
Then... on March 2, 2010 hit the stores and pick up, "The Love and War Masterpeace" available everywhere!!!
For More info on Raheem DeVaughn, check him out on site favorites:
Comments
Excellent article...I think you have successfully caputered who he is! He has more talent than 1/2 these artists out with his timeless, classic music! He is a force to be reckoned with! Cant wait for March Madness!!! The Dream is Indeed Real!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!