Raheem DeVaughn Celebrates His 1st Decade of Music with New Album & Exclusive Interview
We were first introduced to Raheem DeVaughn back in 2005 with the release of his seminal debut, 'Love Experience.' Since then he's stayed consistent, dropping project after project of Hip Hop infused R&B fire. And if you didn't know, Raheem DeVaughn was also the first solo R&B artist to hop on the mixtape wave ('Jackin 4 Beats' still goes hard).This year Raheem celebrates his longevity with the release of his 6th studio album, 'Decade Of A Love King,' which has something for classic soul lovers and millennials alike. Hype Off Life got a chance to catch up with the DMV native right before he caught a flight. During our time, we gained insight on his new project, early influences, the making of 'Love Experience' and also caught a whole lot of free game. See the full interview below, then stream 'Decade of a Love King' along with a few visuals from the project. And oh yeah, Volume 2 coming soon!
You need no introduction. But, if you could describe Raheem DeVaughn in 1 word, what would it be?
Ambitious.
Growing up, which artists got the most play in your tape deck?
It wasn't anybody in particular, like one person like, you know. I grew up on Earth, Wind & Fire, Sade, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, just to name a few... and Prince. Those were immediate music that I think that like the artist that has a huge influence on me and on my career to date. Even at a young age. And I'll throw Michael Jackson in there too.
"You've got to go hard for the things you want ... nobody's going to give you anything."
Your ‘Love Experience’ debut pretty much served as the soundtrack for early 80’s babies moving out of puppy love and into serious relationships. Where were you at in your mind & life during that time?
I was just trying to make the best news is I could, at that time. So, I wanted to have an album that was like, you know, even if it didn't do the numbers as a classic, I wanted to have an album that people felt was like a classic, you know what I mean. 
It’s been almost 15 years since then and you’re still at it. What keeps you going and allows you to continue making great music.
I'm self motivated. So, you know, I love what I do, I enjoy what I do. I feel like I'm very blessed to be able to do music and to touch people and you know, have such a powerful message. I'll say one thing, if there's anything, I chase consistency. You know, I want to be consistent. 
Speaking of putting out consistently dope work, you just dropped a new album, ‘Decade Of A Love King.’ What’s the meaning behind the name?
'Decade Of A Love King' speaks to the fact that I have over a decade worth of music recorded. You know, I'm going to be putting out a lot of music over the next decade. And it's also to celebrate the first decade of music that I put out. 
What was the creative process behind making the album?
I'm big on playlists. So, you know, the main thing is to make sure that it has a vibe. I want to put stuff in there that you could play from beginning to end. I'm always big on that, you know? So, that's something that I always try to strive to... that we're connecting to the people.
It was released under DeVaughn Enterprises. Can you tell us a little more about that.
Well, I have a company called, DMG. When I did that deal, that was some years ago. But, right now it's all about DMG, which is this new imprint I have and I got some great things happening, that are brewing... it's the beginning stage of all of that. 
Aside from keeping R&B on the map, you were the first solo R&B artist to put out mixtapes. Will we ever get another installment in the ‘Jackin’ 4 Beats’ series?
Ironically it's kinda like, what I just put out... I kind of approached it sonically like I would a mixtape, if that makes sense. You know, almost all original music, you know? 'Decade Of A Love King' is going to be a series. I'm already ramping up for Volume 2 of that. 
As an OG in the game, what advice do you have for upcoming artists?
I would say definitely, the work you put in is the work you get out of it. You've got to go hard for the things you want, you know. And nobody's going to give you anything. Again, I would say we're in an era of quantity, but always remember that quality will always outshine quantity.
Anything else we should know before you go?
Yes, Decade Of A Love King, Part 2 is on the way and I'll have a new single out as early as November 30th. You can also find me through my foundation efforts, through all the community work that I do at LoveLifeFoundationDMV.org.
Follow: @raheem_devaughn
