RAHEEM’s musical journey began while growing up in Maryland as he earned his stripes performing in clubs throughout the Washington, D.C. area. After several indie releases, which he sold on the streets and at his shows, he signed with Jive Records and released The Love Experience in 2005 which spawned hit singles “You” and “Guess Who Loves You More.” In 2008, he delivered Love Behind the Melody. Its first single, “Woman,” was his biggest hit yet and was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award in the category of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
A year later, “Customer” was nominated for
Best R&B Song. In 2010, Raheem created the ambitious, The Love And War MasterPeace, which was also Grammy-nominated as Best R&B Album of the Year.
Reflecting on his catalogue to date, with his signature contemporary vocal style and lush harmonies over string section beds and orchestral arranging, topped by lyrics that range from socially conscious to supremely sexy,
RAHEEM is confident about the mark he’s made on modern black music. But he is modest when it comes to recognizing the traditions of legends like Marvin Gaye, Prince and even Bob Marley that he continues to uphold. “In essence that’s what we’re supposed to do as artists, motivate each other,” says the seasoned artist. “I’m not naïve to the fact that I’ve influenced many other artists and their sounds as well—Music doesn’t belong to us, it’s a gift that we are blessed to create.
With his new album,
A PLACE CALLED LOVELAND, RAHEEM showcases a finely tuned artistry that comes with being able to make music on his own terms as an independent artist. Formerly signed to Jive Records, Raheem releases his new music through a joint deal between his own label, 368 Music Group, and Mass Appeal Entertainment.
A PLACE CALLED LOVELAND
reflects the growth of RAHEEM DEVAUGHN vocally, mentally, spiritually and professionally. His quest for love is woven throughout each song, which he has crafted over the last year and states, “This album represents a voyage, an eclectic ride where melody meets passion, a dimension of desire and orgasmic rescue in pleasure paradise.
For the first single,
RAHEEM chose the vibrant, up-tempo, “Love Connection,” produced by Carvin & Ivan. “It’s a feel-good record that is a great way to re-introduce me, my sound and create a sonic connection between people.”
On the follow-up track, “
Ridiculous,” Raheem teams up with Ne-Yo, who wrote “I Don’t Care” on Raheem’s 2010 album release. “From one songwriter to another, I think Ne-Yo’s definitely a blessing to R&B music. “Ridiculous” is a beautiful love song that speaks for the brother’s out there who don’t know how to express their emotions into words. I’m the guy that makes it cool to be fly and still convey your sentiments for and to someone. That’s what it’s all about.” Raheem promises, “I think it will be one of those records that you’ll hear forever.”
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