Raheem DeVaughn: Love Letter to My Fans
A Conversation with the Grammy Nominated Artist
Raheem is in the league of Prince, Tank, Neyo and Musiq Soulchild hands down. In fact, he is up against them for a Grammy Award this year. His Father, Abdul Wadud is a jazz cellist and as for his Mother, Raheem says "she is a true music lover." He says that he grew up "well rounded" musically and experienced it in both his mother's and father's households. It is no wonder his voice beams as he refers to his two year old son's current love for music. He is proud to announce that he takes his little boy in his "arms and sings to him." Raheem also shares that his son comments to Grandma when he sees his Daddy on TV.
As Raheem prepares for the release of his new album on 1/15/08, he seems excited yet grounded. Thank goodness for me he is also quite conversational as he shared his thoughts on life and "Love Behind The Music."
Saba,Ink: I have to say that it is great to talk to you. I am in the Charlotte area and they love you down here.
Raheem: Yeah, my sister moved down there and my father just relocated. It's soon to be my second home but they didn't get a wind of that yet (laughing).
Saba, Ink: Oh, that explains it, 'cause there is too much Raheem stuff happenin' here (laughing).
Saba,Ink: So, based on your Grammy nominated song "Woman" it is apparent that you have a love affair with women. Where does that come from?
Raheem: How can I not be in love with y'all women? You all make it so hard for me not to love y'all. I appreciate the whole makeup of women and this song is like my version of Tupac's Dear Momma or you know what I mean? The key though is finding the right Woman...'cause it can get tiring looking for that ONE (laughing)
Saba,Ink: Aww, that is beautiful. When there are so many types of music that show women being beaten down, it certainly is refreshing to hear a song like "Woman" (from a brotha).
Raheem: Yeah, it is all about showing women in another light than is usually done on Urban Radio. Seeing that it became such a big hit in a short period of time and the fact that it is Grammy nominated says alot.
Saba, Ink: Right, Right. Well, we'll certainly be rooting for you on Grammy night.
Saba,Ink: Saba,Ink: Okay, so I read somewhere your comments on the industry's perception that as a people we don't buy music. With the industry changing and looking like it is suffering from sales, what do you say to that?
Raheem: Yeah, well I mean, I used to work at Tower Records so I saw who bought the records. After a concert, you can see the artists signing CD's. It was something tangible that people could leave with.
Saba,Ink: I hear you. So talk to me about "Love Behind The Melody."
Raheem: Yeah, well "Love Behind The Melody" is a socially conscious album. It is completely love songs. I did that purposely with it being winter time and Valentine's Day around the corner.
Saba,Ink: So.... Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross and D'Angelo. Where does Raheem Devaughn fit in??
Raheem: (laughing)...I think I fit up in there comfortably. I'm the R&B, Neo-Soul Rocker (laughing). I'm very soulful and passionate about my music and stage show. I consider myself a romantic singer and my music sets the mood...and evokes the spirits of the ancestors.
Saba, Ink: Okay, in that case, Dead Artists..... Who would you want to evoke the spirit of ?
Raheem: I'm already doing that (laughing). Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell all of them you know?.
Saba, Ink: I got you. So, what's next?
Raheem: I've got the Jill Scott Concert coming up. I'm the opening act for about 45 minutes so get your tickets early and be on time. The album's coming up next week and the Grammy's in February . I've got so much to be happy about.
Saba,Ink: So, since you are a Man of love songs and February's coming up, send out a love letter to your fans.
Raheem: A love letter to my fans.
Hey You, You know I appreciate you right? I appreciate you so much, guess what I got for you? I've got this little box set for you. You know what's in it? The Love Experience and Love Behind The Melody. It's the perfect soundtrack for a date, hanging out with a new friend, going out on the date or coming back from the date.... It's great for closing the deal. I hope you enjoy it!
Love ya, the R&B, Neo-Soul Pop Singer .....Raheem Devaughn
Saba,Ink: I thank you and appreciate you....
Raheem: I thank you...
Published by saba,ink
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6 Comments
Post a CommentGreat job with this! What's funny is that I happen to be listening to Raheem right now. LOL - He has a beautiful voice with raw talent that many artists today seem to be lacking. :-)
raheem devaughn has a video blogg! check out his back stage footage and grammy red carpet swagger!
http://www.kyte.tv/ch/32109-raheem-devaughn-behind-the-love
-amor-
I love Raheem Devaughn. He's music is on another level. I want to know about that Marathon .
I really really like this story and the fact that Raheem DeVaughn cares about his followers and speaks to them; it keeps him grounded; it shows that he is a true artist by simply being a human being first and not being lost in the culture of celebritism. I really enjoyed this.
Sold! Tower Records in Long Beach did close. On the east coast, my oldest daughter, son-in-laws, son and daughter-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews and all their friends still buy music. Books, too. Many shop online or locally at small shops as well as some belonging to record or book clubs, ordering through the mail. There is also a boot leg market in Long Beach with illegal copying new CDs and distributing them for less than the legally distributed recordings. Raheem sounds like a great guy and my kind of musician, although I try to stay away from romantic music now-a-days. Will check him out.
A good "get". Congratulations! (Smiles) You asked some good questions, but there was one very important question I was waiting for, especially if this is the "Raheem" I think it is. We'll discuss that privately. "The G-man'"