S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T ::: 3 Songs with Raheem DeVaughn

Season 3 of Blue-in-Green:RADIO's S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T series continues with the celebration of some of our favourite vocalists.  In support of our selections, we've plucked a snazzy 3-song round-up featuring a mish-mash of under-appreciated collaborations and under-the-radar remixes that may have passed listeners by.

Tonight focuses on the music of the indelible "R&B hippie neo-soul rock star", Raheem DeVaughn.  Debuting through Jive Records for his first two album releases, 'The Love Experience' and 'Love Behind the Melody' (2008), DeVaughn asserted not just a signature sound but an incredible work ethic that saw him as a consistent performer and staple collaborator for artists including Kev Brown, Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, Guru, T-Pain, Ghostface Killah, among countless others.  With three Grammy nominations to his name and eleven solo albums, DeVaughn's established and distinctive sound that positions his inimitable voice alongside production that’s heavily inspired by old school aesthetics but still a showcase for a progressive and contemporary R&B sound.

Here are three Raheem DeVaughn tracks that no Raheem DeVaughn collection should be without...

1. 'I Would Die 4 U' by Raheem DeVaughn (2010)

The Prince classic originally housed on 'Purple Rain' gets a wonderful transformation from the infectious, hi-energy and synth-heavy number we all know and love.  With DeVaughn's cover available through his Bandcamp page, and dating back to 2010, we're treated to a near five-minute, more soulful and organic-sounding rendition with a live band in tow as well.  Easily a Raheem gem that may have slipped by a lot of people, this fantastic take on one of Prince's most beloved tracks is quite brilliantly reinterpreted.  It's a shame this version didn't make its way to any of DeVaughn's albums but it's one not to miss.

2. 'My Soul Ain't for Sale' by DJ Jazzy Jeff featuring Raheem DeVaughn (2007)

DJ Jazzy Jeff has a lengthy lineage of tracks alongside Raheem DeVaughn.  As one of the leading contributors for Jeff's debut solo full-length in 'The Magnificent' - with DeVaughn providing vocals for three of the album's tracks as well as jumping on the remix for 'For Da Love Of Da Game' - it was only fitting that the singer-songwriter would return for the follow-up album 'The Return of The Magnificent'.  Marking an excellent follow-up which paired Jeff alongside heavy-hitters including Method Man, CL Smooth and J-Live, it was the DeVaughn collaboration for 'My Soul Ain't for Sale' that was the album's definitive highlight.  Sampling Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do for Love' to fantastic effect, DeVaughn oozes charisma over fantastic production.

3. 'It's Your World' [Extended Mix] by Brian Jackson & Masters at Work featuring Raheem DeVaughn & J Ivy (2025)

The latest release from revered drummer Brian Jackson, due out on BBE Records this year, has boasted an incredible roll-out so far.  Preceded by two essential EPs, Jackson's too-good-to-be-true pairing alongside the Masters at Work duo of Kenny Dope and Louie Vega looks set to unveil one of the year's best releases.  Billed as a double-disc release and featuring nineteen tracks, Brian Jackson's 'Now More Than Ever' features an inspired guest list including Black Thought, Omar, Rahsaan Patterson and of course Raheem DeVaughn.  The album version of 'It's Your World' comes in at a whopping seven+ minutes but the single/extended mix clocks at an even more whopping eleven+ minutes so absolutely be sure to check for the extended version, particularly for the completists amongst you.