See the entire set here.

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

Below is a breakdown of physical and digital “The Love & War MasterPeace” release dates for ex-US.

Physical Album:

March 1st
UK
France
Finland
Denmark
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Korea
Japan – date tba.
Argentina

March 2nd
Canada

March 3rd
Sweden

February 26th
Austria
Germany
Switzerland
Belgium

Digital Release set up for the following markets:
All March 1 releases unless otherwise indicated

Argentina
Austria – Feb 26th
Belgium – Feb 26th
Brazil
Canada – March 2nd
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany – Feb 26th
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Ireland – Feb 26th
Italy – Feb 26th
Malaysia
Mexico – March 2nd
Holland – Feb 26th
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Korea
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain – March 2nd
Sweden
Switzerland – Feb. 26th
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey – Feb. 26th

V-Day with Raheem DeVaughn

It’s no sin to be single on Valentine’s Day. Even famous R&B singers like Raheem DeVaughn sometimes fly solo on the holiday. The crooner did, however, give us some valuable advice for the fellas out there trying to keep things lively with their ladies this weekend.

Taking some time out from recording his third album “The Love & War MasterPeace,” Raheem gives us a playlist that will help you set the mood and tips to make any lady swoon on the big day.

What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day?
Raheem Devaughn: I’ll be performing. I’m a bachelor at the moment. I’ll get to play Cupid.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve done for the holiday?
RD: I made a song for the girl I was dating a couple of years ago. Even though it didn’t work out, that will probably be something that she keeps in the back of her mind forever.

How did she react to it?
RD: I hit a homerun. Let’s just say I hit a homerun. [Laughs]

What’s your advice for guys out there who don’t know what they’re doing yet?
RD: Do some things that you don’t normally do. Or do some things that you used to do and don’t do anymore. Because what ultimately happens is that what you do to get somebody, you have to do to keep them. I’m a firm believer in that.

Has a girl ever gotten you something special?
RD: I usually don’t get the best gifts. People always expect something elaborate from me because of the position I’m in. They take it for granted, assuming that I have everything that I’ve ever wanted.

Do you feel lame, bitter or upset that you don’t have a girl to get with for Valentine’s Day?
RD: It will all come in stride. It’s all good. At least I’ll be able to do something for somebody else. I’ll be able to connect the dots for somebody else. And that check is going to be look real good. [Laughs]

If you were making a playlist to set the mood for a woman, who would be on yours?
RD: Prince. Marvin Gaye. Sade. I’m definitely going to throw Maxwell up in there. Luther Vandross. All the classics.

Which of your songs would you put on there?
RD: “Bedroom.” It’s a song off my new album. It’s kind of straight forward and to the point and poetically, it is well put together.

Is it “trickin’” if you got it?
RD: No. I’m not going to do anything unless I want to do it. It doesn’t have anything to do with tricking.

If a girl has sex on the first night, is she a freak or a keeper?
RD: It depends, man. I’ve had long-lasting, serious relationships with girls that I’ve had on the first night. So it all depends. Definitely, a woman that holds out makes it more intriguing.

http://www.thebvx.com/2010/02/12/v-day-with-raheem-devaughn/

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/)

Check out one of the songs off of Raheem DeVaughn’s upcoming album The Love & War Masterpeace… “Microphone”

Listen Here:

Love & War Masterpeace in stores on March 2, 2010 but you can pre-order on iTunes and Amazon NOW!!!

“Love Drug”

“Woman”

Raheem DeVaughn did  a special appearance at the Auto Show held at the Washington Convention Center. He signed autographs and took pictures with fans…see pics below!

Raheem pictured here with Jeannie Jones of WKYS.