09 - Raheem DeVaughn

... was on NPR tonight. Say whaa?

Any one who is familiar with my Palmer Station playlists may know the name Raheem Devaughn or at least the song 'Woman' which made it's debut in the Antarctic during LMG 0802 (then again you may not remember it...). Some rolled their eyes and doubted my vision into this man's talent. Well guess what.. All Things Considered just affirmed that I knew what was up!



So tonight, Raheem DeVaughn hung out with Guy Roz and talked about his new record 'The Love and War Masterpeace'. When asked about the concept of the record, Raheem responded:

'The Love and War Masterpeace is just that... we're all in a place internally where we are trying to master our own peace'...'everything is pretty crazy right now. I wanted to make a record that capture those moments, but was also uplifting at the same time'

He has always written socially conscious music, and is especially known for his respect and reverence for women, but the novelty of this record is the political messages embedded within. According to NPR, this song 'Bulletproof' has been compared to Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues'




There are also spoken-word interludes throughout the record featuring the voice of Dr. Cornell West, who is a professor of African American studies at Princeton. From what I have heard so far, it adds fluidity and a real dimension of depth to the album. But fear not, it still has the traditional fabulous R&B love flavor. Listen at your own risk... I take no responsibility for the good vibrations that result (... okay, maybe i'll take just a little credit)