BALLERIFIC MUSIC REVIEW: RAHEEM DEVAUGHN-THE LOVE & WAR MASTERPEACE

Love Trumps War, Empathy Trumps Hatred & Compassion Trumps Grief....This Masterpeace Has Been About Unarmored Truth...-Dr. Cornel West

Raheem & all he encompasses is very reminiscent of his predecessors such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield & Sam Cooke, just to name a few. Devaughn is as soulful as they come. The release of his third studio album, The Love & War Masterpeace is genius at its best & once again, he leaves his listeners very pleased. The title acts as the yin & yang, the balance between good & evil. Love & War in its purest form can both be beautiful depending on who views it.

In an industry that leaves less to be desired, Raheem breathes life into its comatose state. School is in session with lead single, Bulletproof featuring southern lyricist Ludacris. There is a lesson to be learned & with these lyrics & if offended, you need not listen. That's truth giving it to you straight with no chaser. Switching the pace up comes in I Don't Care, a feel good type of song, which is self-explanatory, which is just one highlight off this piece of work.

On a more serious note Black & Blue, speaks on domestic violence. Ladies, pay close attention. The sincerity in his vocals speaks volumes. Though the album touches on more serious issues, Raheem finds a way to sing about what he's most known for, his sensuality. Highlights come in B.O.B., & ladies' we all know our vibrator friend can't do half of that our man can. I praise him on the metaphors in Microphone.

To have Dr. Cornel West narrate your entire album is a major accomplishment in itself. Raheem set forth a vision & it most definitely was accomplished. A cast like no other on Nobody Wins A War offers the voices of Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Rudy Currence, just to name a few will add for a great visual atop its in your face lyrics. LOVE IT!

Overall, Raheem outdid himself. Cohesive & fluid, The Love & War Masterpeace speaks for itself. The artist, we know as Raheem Devaughn painted a one of a kind masterpiece & should be cherished as such. Enjoy it for its subject matter will be appreciated for years to come