Stepping Into the Spotlight
Raheem DeVaughn is getting major play on every R&B airwave. He’s been behind the scenes and slowly emerged to the front after collaborating with big name artists and producers. On the heels of his collaborative tour with Jill Scott, we discussed the celebration of his new album, Love Behind The Melody and why his sound carries the weight of longevity.
SM: Why do you think other big wigs in the industry, like Alicia Keys and producer Mark Batson were drawn to your music?
RD: I can play any genre of music I want – like what Prince did back in the day. Of course, I don’t play music but I go by what my spirit gravitates to. And I think that comes across in the sound.
SM: Do you think neo soul music is slowly making a comeback?
RD: I don’t really have an opinion about neo-soul. I think great music is going to come back. There are artists that are setting a tone and will be around 10 or 20 years from now because they’re doing what they want to do.
SM: You’ve obviously been around for a long time…collaborating with artists like Talib Kweli, Common, UGK…why did it take so long for you to come out with your solo album?
RD: I’ve worked with Talib, UGK and Guru. I just finished a project with Guru for the new Jazzmatazz album. I’m also working with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the new Beanie Siegel album. I think it’s good to show yourself in different lights and working with hip-hop artists gives me the opportunity to do that. I’m not just pigeon-holed.
SM: What’s your favorite song on the album?
RD: I can’t really pin it. Once you listen to it, you can make your own observation. The album is like one big song to me – like a movie or a play. You can’t get it unless you listen to the entire thing.
SM: Did you come from a musically-gifted family?
RD: My grandfather was a great singer and so was my aunt. My father is a retired jazz musician – a celloist. And my mom always had great taste in music. Between the two of them in the house, there was always something dope to listen to. They didn’t raise me on no junk!
SM: You’re also going on tour with Jill Scott in a couple of weeks…have you two had a chance to meet?
RD: I’ve met Jill on more than one occasion. And it shocked me when she said, “Brother, I fell in love and out of love with your album!” She’s very theatrical, but also very real and blunt. I’m excited to be on the road with her.
SM: How did you celebrate the release of your album and the Grammy-nomination?
RD: I got it in real heavy every night [laughs]. And now I’m entering a phase where I’m getting my mind and body right. It’s going to be a lot of wear and tear by traveling on buses and planes. I’m just enjoying seeing everything unfold and see how people take to the new songs.
