Marking his 10-year anniversary with a sexually-charged album, R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn has not made a secret of what’s on his mind. On his latest and fifth offering, Love Sex Passion, DeVaughn delves into the subjects only R&B can describe best.
“I have decided to name this album Love Sex Passion because that’s how I was feeling. I just thought of expressing my way in good R&B fashion. In most of the material on the album I am pushing experiences that I have gone through myself. It is a side to me that most people will be interested in listening to,” said the singer.
R&B is in a dire state, and most ’90s stars have made dismal comebacks thanks to the fact that the genre is not as popular as it once was. Yet for DeVaughn, all of that is not important because it is expected that music evolves, while genres never become extinct.
“I think, as cliched as it might sound, that staying true to your sound really pays off. There is so much music out there and it is very easy for older musicians to follow trends, but in my case I am happy with how I have sounded from the outset. If you are doing it for the love and the passion, then you will always have a place. You will have an audience and that’s what has kept me moving,” he said.
When you think Raheem DeVaughn, you are forgiven for adding the likes of Musiq Soulchild, Dwele G and Rashaan Patterson, who all have their own individual sounds, to the list. Yet when it comes to his influences, the singer keeps it classic.
“I don’t listen to much of the new stuff. I am an old soul so you will find me listening to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and all the other greats. That material keeps me motivated to create more music that has some meaning to it,” he said.
After having been to Joburg last year, DeVaughn pointed out that he had plans of not only returning, but also making new music with local talent.
“I love being in South Africa. The last time I was there was a blast. I had the most fun in Joburg and am looking forward to coming back soon. In fact, people should look out for my collaboration with my boy Speedy soon.”