I’m passionate and I can’t get too far from the movement I started.
He says he doesn’t know what neo-soul is, but considers himself a soul singer. He’s not a rapper, but plans to root an indie hip hop label. And during an era of genre constraints, categorical frenzy, and the diminishing dollar, dude says he’s “chilling.”
Raheem DeVaughn hasn’t been feeling claustrophobic. He’s definitely been busy. While prepping for this Wednesday’s New York finale of the Heineken Red Star Soul tour, the self-proclaimed “R&B-neo-hippie-rock-star” took a break to call VIBE.com and fill us in on his latest ventures, and the anatomy of our October cover girl.
VIBE: How important is it to be entrepreneur now?
DeVaughn: Very. It pays the bills aside from the record sales. I’m definitely about cross promotion and expanding my name. Entrepreneurship is a good look.
So what else pays the bills?
I got a company I’m a part of called 5 Linx that’s going pretty well. It provides videophone service for people. I’m all about having everyone connected in these times.
Can people actually link up with you through this service?
I’m on the move, so not right now. But that may be something I do eventually. That would be hot.
How was it on the Love tour with Chrisette and Solange?
Great. It was the first tour I headlined and everything was pretty much my decision. Chrisette and me had a relationship, so that was easy. I’m a big fan of hers and Solange is great. That’s my homie. I was upset that she got injured and had to leave the tour early because she’s the type to go all out.
Have you ever had any slip-ups on stage?
Oh yeah. I fell a couple times, but I’m nice with it. Smooth. It’s not about falling; it’s about how you get back up.
How’d you feel about the success of your second album?
It did relatively the same as the first. I’m cool with selling my 250, it adds up. And I’ve got a cult following, a past Grammy nomination and a BET award. I’m just trying to remain consistent with it all.
Have you started working on a third one?
Yeah, it’s called, The Love and War Masterpiece. So far I’ve got Damien Marley on there and Cornell West.
Word? What’s Cornell doing?
You gotta buy the album to find out (laughs). He’s doing what he does best. I’m reaching out to the people who make everyone listen. I’m being conscious.
How important is it for you to remain socially conscious?
I’m a father, I’ve got kids. It’s all about the legacy you leave behind. If I’m talking about bullshit all the time that’s not going to happen. Every song can’t be “Let Me Serve You Up.” I’ve got songs that touch all different demographics. I’m into making a body of work, not just one single. I’m passionate and I can’t get too far from the movement I started. Oh and don’t forget to vote!
Who you pulling for?
Obama! The album is also set to release around inauguration.
Sweet. So have you seen the newest cover of VIBE with Ciara?
Nah, not yet.
Well there’s been a lot of controversy about it... How do you feel about artists taking the more risqué route?
I had the opportunity to sit with her after [last year’s] BET Awards. We had dinner with the whole Jive family and I was dying to see what was under there (laughs). You can print that too (laughs). She’s entering that stage of being a woman. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to pull what she did off. It’s all about how things are done. Matter fact, I think I’m going to run to a 7-Eleven and get it now!
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Comments
1.
dsquared83 says:
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I love me some Raheem DeVaughn!! I love your last two albums! Keep uo the good work , and I cant wait on the new album!
September 29, 2008 at 4:34 pm