Born in New Jersey but raised in Washington, D.C., Raheem DeVaughn is a veteran of the neo-soul R&B scene; he released his debut album, The Love Experience, back in 2005. Working with the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, and Kenny Dope, he has an extremely devoted fanbase (especially among the ladies), and he’s also released the hit albums Love Behind the Melody and The Love & War MasterPeace. On this outing, he parts company with the Jive/Zomba label and goes the independent route, but his trademark ultra-smooth vocals, throwback style, and hyper-romantic lyricism haven’t changed a bit. Produced by Mo Digga, Dre King, Carvin & Ivan, and others, this is straight-up bedroom music: less explicit than some of his contemporaries but far from subtle. It’s undeniably seductive and always soulful. Highlights include the two-timing jam “Wrong Forever,” the piano-propelled “Pink Crush Velvet,” and “Make a Baby,” full of freaky synths that conjure memories of Mr. Hands–era Herbie Hancock.
Track list:
01. Interlude – Album Intro
02. Love Connection
03. Wrong Forever
04. Interlude – Don’t Go
05. Complicated
06. In the Meantime
07. Interlude – Rebirth
08. Ridiculous
09. Pink Crush Velvet
10. Interlude – Dear Love Queen (feat. Big Jazz)
11. Greatest Love
12. Cry Baby
13. Make a Baby
14. Make em Like You
15. Interlude – Happy
16. Maker of Love (feat. Boney James)
Dee Beasley is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of FreshAsFrankie.com. After starting out as a musician-producer he went on to study the music business and work in Urban Promotions, followed by artist management. Mr. Beasley entrepreneurial spirit has led him to launch numerous businesses in music and fashion marketing. He’s a huge fan of the ’80s and ’90s Hip Hop and R&B, and he’s a firm believer that Hip Hop Music will never die.