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Critics have compared Raheem DeVaughn’s voice to Marvin Gaye’s, and the parallels become even sharper upon closer inspection. His new album, a two-disc compilation calledLove and War MasterPeace, deals with themes of inner-city violence, war, unemployment and love.

“I feel like we’re all in a place internally where we’re trying to master our own peace,” DeVaughn says. “I just wanted to make a record that captured the moments.”

Though R&B has typically been associated with themes of love and romance, DeVaughn’s record tackles politics, too.

“No matter what road I take, I can never get too far away from the conscious lyric and the socially conscious content,” he says. “I feel like as artists and producers, bottom line, we make message music, and you have to determine what your message is going to be.”

Between every few tracks, DeVaughn has included a spoken-word interlude by Princeton professor Cornel West. Many of the passages convey messages of social justice.

A Theme Of Love

The album isn’t all politics; love is also at its center. For example, “Superhero” pays homage to DeVaughn’s mother, whose record collection inspired the singer’s passion for music. He says it was a Mother’s Day gift.

“Being an only child is challenging sometimes for our relationship,” he says. “It was good for me to be able to play that song. It’s definitely strengthened our relationship with one another.”

Like many R&B albums, the theme of love is central to Love and War MasterPeace. DeVaughn has become something of a sex symbol in his rise to fame.

“I feel like putting out music like this, I have a responsibility, and that is to do it tastefully,” he says. “Once again, it’s not to just make music, but to make tasteful music; timeless music.” — NPR Music

http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/in-the-booth-vol-4

http://www.whwrocks.com/

“WHW” is an acronym for “What’s Hot Washington”. Our mission is to uncover and promote the best of the local music scene and provide quality programming to area residents.
“WHW Rocks!” is the brainchild of its high energy host, April Watts—a DC native and multi-talented performer best known to audiences for her work hosting television and radio programs in the Washington, DC metropolitan market.

R&B CROONER RAHEEM DEVAUGHN wants to get your fists up and your pants down — but not necessarily in that order — on his new album, ‘The Love and War MasterPeace.’

Obviously, the singer — who grew up in Prince George’s County and recorded most of this album there — definitely has political opinions, and he’s not afraid to talk about them. But some of the tracks here are brazenly outspoken, with DeVaughn firing off against politicians, the U.S. government and anyone with a bloodthirsty sense of patriotism.

Ultimately, though, DeVaughn is more of a lover than a fighter, and the plethora of sensual songs on this 16-track release prove that.

All the man wants to do is love a good woman, and he’s full of positive thoughts and supportive beliefs, whether he’s telling women they’re beautiful just as they are (”The Greatness“) or urging them to get away from abusive relationships and stand on their own (”Black and Blue“). In fact, DeVaughn seems more like a feminist on “The Love and War MasterPeace” than any other recent hip-hop or pop star, and yes, that includes Lady Gaga — because even though “Dance in the Dark” name-drops Sylvia Plath, GaGa also sings about taking rides on disco sticks. Fail.

But to prove his street cred, DeVaughn also brings in a whole host of collaborators, some who work and some who don’t. There’s professor and activistCornel West, dropping a few spoken-word tracks about DeVaughn’s awesomeness; rappers Ludacris and Wale, making some songs more radio-ready; and singers Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele (DeVaughn’s cousin) and Citizen Cope helping round out the song’s most political track, “Nobody Wins the War.” But most of the time, all those guest stars seem superfluous: DeVaughn does fine on his own, and though it’s understandable that some of those featured artists are needed to raise his mainstream profile, the songs would probably sound just as good without them.

Take, for example, first single “Bulletproof,” which features Luda: The track is a smooth-sounding, undeniably catchy diatribe against Uncle Sam, the U.S. military and hip-hop’s gangster mindset. With some bluesy touches and gunshot effects in the background (think “Paper Planes“), the song also features DeVaughn’s trademark falsetto as he drops ominous lines like, “Murder your sons, ravish your daughters / Here, overseas and across those waters” and “Politicians can’t help you / They’re just slaves and puppets.” In contrast to DeVaughn, though, Luda’s verse just seems weak, especially when he says, “Lord, help me please, cause I’d rather die / On my feet than live on my knees.” Real original.

Similarly forgettable is Wale’s verse on the album’s third track, “The Greatness” — DeVaughn also shines on that one, as he muses on women’s inner and outer beauty. Though the song has a more mechanical, typical hip-hop sound, it also oozes blatant sensuality, with lines like, “What lies between those jeans on your hips / Is such greatness” and “Victoria holds the secrets to your greatness.” It’s undeniably sexual, but somehow more genuine and heartfelt then your typical lustful track; no riding ponies (ahem, Ginuwine) or stripping activities (oh, Ray-J) can be found anywhere around DeVaughn’s repertoire.

And DeVaughn continues to profess his devotion to love all over the rest of the often-racy album, whether he’s ignoring haters on “I Don’t Care,” confessing his misdeeds but promising to do better on the ballad “Mr. Right” or even talking smack on a girl’s “battery-operated boyfriend” on the risque “B.O.B.” Plus, he makes the most of Malik Yusef, featured spoken-word poet, on the song “Fragile,” where Yusef breaks down his emotions for the woman he loves: “I have a special ring for you / But you should have known that the phone / Don’t have a tone that fits you … Put down our bag while I/ Investigate your swag style / You seem like you taste expensive,” he says, while DeVaughn oohs and aahs in the background. If you’re not blushing, there’s something seriously wrong with you.

The album’s only missteps come in its final two tracks, which try to make up for the former romance and bring the politics all at once. The first, “Nobody Wins the War,” is a noble diatribe against the evils and immorality of war, but the song lasts almost eight minutes and simply drags toward the end, while the second, “Revelations” featuring Damian Marley, just doesn’t match the energy and exuberance of the rest of the album. Other than that, though, the collection is a spectacularly sensual heap of tracks that cement DeVaughn’s talent and creativity.

West says on the album’s intro that DeVaughn is “the greatest soul singer of his generation” — based on “The Love and War MasterPeace,” that claim may not be too far off.

Written by Express contributor Roxana Hadadi
Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post

Rising director and hip-hop artist Tabi Bonney has been the first to publicly drop a verse to the instrumental “Love Leaves” from the seductive set of beats. With visual presentations on MTV and VH1, the lyrical presentation of Bonney on “Love Leaves” is of no light manner.

Listen to JUDAH x Tabi Bonney “Love Leaves”

JUDAH and Bonney recently collaborated on Mick Boogie x Terry Urban Le Da Soul- 20 Years of De La Soul tribute album.

Remixes of some of the most remembered De La Soul albums were delivered by the likes of Talib Kweli, Kardinal Offishall, UNI, Christian Rich and many more.

Download: Judah – Amber Rose Instrumental Mixtape

Download: Judah ft. Tabi Bonney – “Love Leaves” (Remix)

Download: Judah x RAtheMC – “Brenda” (Remix)

Listen Now!

We told you had a new RH Radio player and that we were going to use it.  Last time, RTC programmed the player, slotting in joints from Torro Y Moi, Fashawn, Gil Scot-Heron and others.  Today we give the player over to none other than Raheem DeVaughn, who has programmed his own Valentine’s Day Sexy Slow Jams playlist.  Who better than Mr. February himself to provide you with music to set the mood just right this Sunday? DeVaughn dug into his catalog for the playlist and it also offers a perfect chance to get a refresher course before the March 2nd release of his new LP, The Love & War MasterPeace.

Check out his selections and the thinking behind them below and listen to all the songs in the player at the top of the page.

“Slow Love”: I wrote this song because I think love making should be slow. You should take your time when you are making love

“Breathe”: You need this because when you are taking your time you have to breathe in and out-ya feel me?

“Believe”: Because you have to believe that everything your mate asks you to do is for your benefit.

“Desire (Love Behind The Melody)”: Because on Valentine’s day, there is no anticipation without desire.

“4 Letter Word”: Because on Valentine’s Day there were will be a lot of that word spread around

“Marathon”: Sometimes love can feel this. Some times it begins with a “4 Letter Word”

“Love Drug”: Because the right kind of love can have you hooked like a drug.

“Ask Yourself the Question”: After a long Valentine’s Day, whether it was good or bad, you may find yourself asking a few questions.

“Customer”: This song is self explanatory to me. If you followed the play list then you know that the goal is to satisfy the customer.

Bonus track**

“You”: I chose this track is because on Valentine’s Day, you should be able to tell the person you love that, it’s all about you.

(via http://www.rubyhornet.com/)

What is Cake & Kisses?
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Cake & Kisses is a monthly party that revolves around an “organic open mic”. The jam session is backed by a live band while the mics are opened up to any vocalists, emcees, etc who are in the venue. There is no list, the artists simply vibe off each other. Free cake & Hershey’s kisses are available at every party.

Video of the party: http://vimeo.com/3621047

Cake & Kisses
Thursday, February 4th
@Asylum
2471 18th St. NW
Washington, DC
ft. Phil Ade, Whitefolkz, Godsilla, D-Madness, DJ Jav
Freestyle battle: Rosetta Stoned vs Santos & Andari
$5 | 21+ | 9pm – 1:30am

Over the course of the last five years DMV born and bred singer Raheem DeVaughn has established himself as a leader in the new r&b-soul movement, and he’s preparing once again unleash his unique sound on the world with his upcoming album “The Love & War Masterpeace”. In addition to dropping a new mixtape, “Mr. February a.k.a. March Madness”, Raheeem recently sat down with RefinedHype to discuss his early days in Beltsville, Maryland, his international travels and the source of his inspiration.

RefinedHype: You’re from the DMV area, a region that’s recently begun to get some serious attention as an epicenter of quality music. Why do you think it took so long for the DMV to get the attention it deserves?

Raheem DeVaughn: I think it’s because in any place where you have your own sound that you are trying to define, it takes time. It takes time for people to connect with it especially if you are not willing to conform to what everyone else is doing. It’s normally when what you’re doing becomes cool that’s when it gets noticed.

RefinedHype: How did your early days in Beltsville, Maryland influence your career and music?

Raheem DeVaughn: I can’t say that it did influence me too much. My influence really started once I left Beltsville. A lot of it started when I went away and spent first year in college. When I was younger I was going through the motions of being a regular teenage kid. I did choir and stuff but I was I was kinda shy though. Music became a priority once I graduated and got my diploma – that’s when my fascination with music really developed and I became serious about wanting to be an artist.

RefinedHype: You’ve toured in every country from Japan to Jamaica. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from all your international travels?

Raheem DeVaughn: That real music is universal no matter the language or dialect—they can feel that energy in the music. If its powerful enough, they can connect with it.

RefinedHype: Where do you go to get inspired?

Raheem DeVaughn: I don’t go anywhere in particular. It depends on the vibe that I am trying to get. I do enjoy the nightlife. It sounds crazy but I will go to a club to think and figure out my next musical plan, or see what people are doing so I can do the opposite. My inspiration comes from everyday life. There is so much to write about from both sides of the fence from life stuff to personal. I try to be my own muse and let people or experience be the creative muse.

RefinedHype: Last words?

Raheem DeVaughn: I have my new album “The Love and War Masterpeace” coming out on March 2, plus my new brand indie label and blog 368musicgroup.com. I have my new artist Phil Ade and I also have my new mixtape “Mr February aka March Madness”. And my fans can tweet me @Radiorah.

http://www.refinedhype.com/hyped/entry/my-city-raheem-devaughn/

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 .

Click here to read the rest:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-19639-DC-Socialite-Examiner~y2010m1d21-Raheem-DeVaughn-The-man-behind-the-music