Raheem DeVaughn is an American singer and songwriter, who performs and records in the genre, R&B and neo-soul.  Born the son of jazz cellist Abdul Wadud, DeVaughn was born in New Jersey, but raised in Maryland.  He began dreaming of a career in music while still in high school.

Raheem DeVaughn

I've been at this for along time. But I never take for granted the fact that people know who I am. That's what things like this interview are about—exposing me to more people. I just appreciate all the new fans.

The Beginning

Raheem DeVaughn is an American singer and songwriter, who performs and records in the genre, R&B and neo-soul.  Born the son of jazz cellist Abdul Wadud, DeVaughn was born in New Jersey, but raised in Maryland.  He began dreaming of a career in music while still in high school.  When visiting his father, he attended numerous music events.  

DeVaughn went to school at Coppin State University in Baltimore City.  He realized one day when watching some buskers performing on a street corner.  He began writing music and planning his career in music.  Upon graduation, he took a position with Tower Records, placing him in an ideal position to begin networking within the music industry.  Demo CDs in hand, he began performing in area venues, alongside local talent, such as Urbanave41.  Eventually, he caught the attention of DJ Jazzy Jeff, who helped him get a recording contract with Jive Records in 2002.

Catching His Dream

The Love Experience was DeVaughn's debut album.  It peaked at #46 on the Billboard Top 200 and #9 on the R&B chart.  Four released singles include Guess Who Loves You More, Ask Yourself, and You.  You is featured on Grand Theft Auto IV's fictional soul/R&B station, The Vibe 98.8.  The album sold 250,000+ copies.

In 2008, DeVaughn released his second album, after three years of performing and promoting his music.   The album, Love Behind the Melody, sold 45,000 copies in the first week, debuting at #5 on the Billboard Top 200.  The initial release, Woman, reached #96 and on the Billboard Hot 100, and was enormously popular.  The song earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Make R&B Performance.  

Present and Future

iTunes featured Woman late in 2008, and received thousands of purchase requests for mp3 downloads of the song.  Raheem DeVaughn released his third album, The Love and War MasterPiece  in March, 2010.  The album hit the Billboard Top 200 at #9 and the Top R&B/ Rap chart at #3.  First week sales topped 45,000.  The single, Bulletproof, featuring rapper Ludacris, was released in September, 2009, as a teaser for the album; it peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Known for his efforts in promoting his own music, supplementing the work of his label, Raheem Devaughn has two contests running right now on his website.  The first offers a free CD for the winning artwork, representing The Love and War MasterPiece; he appears to be seeking an album cover.  He also announced a remix contest.

Did you know . . .

1. In 2008, DeVaughn appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno wearing a t-shirt that read “Grammy Nominated” on the front and “Love Behind the Melody – In Stores Now.” on the back.

2. In the name of self promotion, Raheem Devaughn will wear a crown and cape on stage, calling himself “King of the Underground.”

3. He has won three BET Awards, all in 2008.

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