JoJo Interviews Raheem DeVaughn

By Joann “JoJo” Brooker

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Raheem DaVaughn regarding his latest album and his tour with Jill Scott. We chatted via phone and I was pleased to learn that he is very nice, polite and down to earth. He has a lovely southern drawl. I felt like I was talking to a friend.

Joann: Hi Raheem! What’s up? How are you?
Raheem: I’m good, I’m good.

Joann: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, that’s nice.
Raheem: No thank you it’s my pleasure.

Joann: First of all, congrats on your Grammy nomination! You must be feeling real good about that. Is this your first Grammy nod?

Raheem: Thank you hopefully it’s the first of many. Thank you very much – yes.

Joann: Your first CD came out in 2005. Right?
Raheem: Yes, uh uh, that’s right.

Joann: What’s different with this new CD? What can we expect that’s different in the music from your first one?
Raheem: I think this second album is more sexy intimate music – set the mood. I intended to make a love album; a love conscious album. All the songs are love songs. That was done on purpose – you know since the album comes out during the winter and right around the corner from Valentines Day.
Being a balladeer is my strength. I want to make sure I leave a legacy. Definitely one body of work where it’s all love songs – my heart.

My first album had more conscience songs – those are records that would be (meaningful) 15 years from now – I have a lot of that stuff coming like that – projects I’m finishing up.

Joann: A friend tells me that “back in the day” in D.C. a woman by the name of Bey Renee used to have talent showcases in her apartment and you were a featured artist during one of those shows. Is that true? So you’re a seasoned live performer.
Raheem: Yes – yes I remember Bey Renee very well. Live performing is second nature to me. That’s what I do. I love it.

Joann: I can’t wait to see you live. I read that your dad is a jazz musician (cellist Abdul Wadud). Is that correct?
Raheem: Yes, he is.

Joann: I’ve listened to a few of the songs on Love Behind The Melody and I like the lyrics of “Customer” – you’re saying stuff like “let me serve you up, super-size with lovin’ on the side.” That’s cute!
Raheem: Yeah, I like that. (Right here Raheem started being flirty and kinda cute.)

Joann: Are you single? The ladies want to know. Do you consider yourself a ladies man?
Raheem: That’s a gift and curse!! (He’s very playful – laughing). It can be a curse because you’re forced to have to live up to certain things that you may not be able to. But it is what it is. (Laughing)

Joann: (Laughing) Are you planning to tour this year?
Raheem: Yes, looking forward to touring with Jill Scott – I’m doing about 31 days.

Joann: Oooo, I love Jill! You and her – that’s a good hook-up.
Raheem: Yes, Jill is great. I’m real excited about touring with her.

Joann: Are you planning to perform in the New York/New Jersey area any time soon? I would love to see you in concert.
Raheem: Yeah, I have a couple of dates in Newark but I’m not sure when.

Joann: I bet it’s at NJPAC. Whenever it is I’m definitely going to be there.
Raheem: Make sure you come and meet me. I want to put a face with the voice.

Joann: Okay, that’s nice!
Joann: If you weren’t in the entertainment business, what do you think you’d be doing in your life? Any other business interests?
Raheem: I’m a hustler – that’s a good and bad thing (laughing, then more serious). I would probably be a youth counselor – a group home situation. The kids a generation behind me are running wild. They need….somebody must take the initiative. I probably would be working with kids at risk.

Joann: Okay, you would be good at that. You could probably do that down the road.
Raheem: Yeah, definitely down the road.

Joann: Oh by the way, who are you taking to the Grammys?
Raheem: If my mom’s not available, no one. I was always told ‘don’t bring sand to the beach’. Lots and lots of women!
(Readers: I guess this means that since there will certainly be lots of beautiful women at the Grammys, why bring a date?)

Joann: (Laughing) Okay, Raheem, thanks so much for talking to me. You are so nice. It has really been a pleasure.
Raheem: Thank you, it was my pleasure.

Raheem DeVaughn Love Behind The Melody is in stores now. Pick up your copy or order it from Amazon.com.