31 Mar Raheem Devaughn: 99% Creative Control

Although having been in the music game for a good number of years, Raheem DeVaughn is still not largely recognised as a worldwide household name. However, with his harmonious voice and impeccable talent for songwriting I struggle to understand why this is the case. DeVaughn, the son of jazz cellist Abdul Wadud, was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Maryland by his mother Imani Smith. It has always been expressed that Raheem, from an extremely young age has projected his love and talents within music often taking control and conducting musical events from pre-school upwards. It was in his teens however, that Raheem decided to envision his career as an artist. Before commercially emerging in 2005 with the release of his debut album, The Love Experience (which featured singles such as "Guess Who Loves You More" and "You"), Raheem set upon his journey performing in numerous clubs and participating in many competitions gaining the attention of many veteran producers which eventually led him to meeting his now long term manager and also signing a recording contract with Jive Records in 2002. His sophomore album Love Behind the Melody was released in January 2008. featuring the singles "Woman" and "Customer". DeVaughn has been compared to the likes of Dwele, D'Angelo, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in the past to name a few. Rather than shy away from the financial, physical and emotional challenges so many of us face, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn tackles them head on with The Love & War MasterPeace, his most ambitious album to date. I was privileged enough to have a quick catch-up with the man himself to explore his views and feelings about the current state of the music industry, society and conquering the world of showbiz.