CASPER
New member
Raheem DeVaughn, "The Love & War MasterPeace," (Jive)
Raheem DeVaughn's latest CD is like open mic night at a jazz cafe. The album includes socially conscious interludes from Princeton professor and activist Dr. Cornel West, a collaboration with spoken word artist Malik Yusef and plenty passionate, finger snap-worthy love songs delivered in hushed tones.
DeVaughn sings about domestic abuse on "Black & Blue" and violence overseas and in the 'hood on first single "Bulletproof," featuring rapper Ludacris. Then several tracks later, he croons about the limits to having a relationship with a "battery-operated boyfriend" on the cheeky "B.O.B."
The duality shows DeVaughn doesn't take himself too seriously. Besides, his sweet voice makes every song sound like it's coming from a good place, whether he's reminding a woman to love herself on the upbeat "The Greatness," featuring Wale, or exercising his falsetto on the sexy "Bedroom."
The less-than-subtle tune "Microphone," is a misstep, but it's quickly forgotten once you hear the chimes and drums on slow-burning "Garden of Love" and the steamy "Fragile," featuring Yusef.
In one interlude, West calls DeVaughn "the greatest soul singer of his generation," and while that's to be determined, the singer is making a strong case.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: DeVaughn gathers an impressive who's who of soul singers, including Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michelle, on "Nobody Wins a War."
Raheem DeVaughn's latest CD is like open mic night at a jazz cafe. The album includes socially conscious interludes from Princeton professor and activist Dr. Cornel West, a collaboration with spoken word artist Malik Yusef and plenty passionate, finger snap-worthy love songs delivered in hushed tones.
DeVaughn sings about domestic abuse on "Black & Blue" and violence overseas and in the 'hood on first single "Bulletproof," featuring rapper Ludacris. Then several tracks later, he croons about the limits to having a relationship with a "battery-operated boyfriend" on the cheeky "B.O.B."
The duality shows DeVaughn doesn't take himself too seriously. Besides, his sweet voice makes every song sound like it's coming from a good place, whether he's reminding a woman to love herself on the upbeat "The Greatness," featuring Wale, or exercising his falsetto on the sexy "Bedroom."
The less-than-subtle tune "Microphone," is a misstep, but it's quickly forgotten once you hear the chimes and drums on slow-burning "Garden of Love" and the steamy "Fragile," featuring Yusef.
In one interlude, West calls DeVaughn "the greatest soul singer of his generation," and while that's to be determined, the singer is making a strong case.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: DeVaughn gathers an impressive who's who of soul singers, including Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michelle, on "Nobody Wins a War."
