With a resounding introduction speech from none other than Dr. Cornel West, Raheem DeVaughn's new album, The Love & War Masterpeace, begins with an exclamation point that doesn't end, even after the last song.

"...we talkin' about revitalization..." Dr. West says about this CD and that is what this release does--it revitalizes the game, taking it next level. DeVaughn does what Marvin Gaye did so effortlessly it seemed--speak of political and social issues within a musical landscape that never lacks in rich Soul melodies and grit. Raheem's sound is heavily marked by Marvin's influence on this disc--particularly on the endlessly beautiful "Garden of Love"--and this new project would make the legend proud. Where other Gaye imitators like Chico DeBarge and Robin Thicke have borrowed only from his playbook, Raheem has used Marvin's sound as a springboard to create a contemporary fusion of old and new. With Ludacris on the first single, "Bulletproof," Raheem brings us the next chapter in the book that What's Going On began about our lives "...here, overseas and across the waters..."

Raheem is evidently in a mood of collaboration (as we saw with his recent feature on Tabi Bonney's "Fever") and this CD is heavy with featured guests on songs besides Luda, including Wale on the head-nodder "Greatness," Damian Marley on the socially critical "Revelations 2010" and Malik Yusef on the very sexy ballad "Fragile". Every single one of these collabos work. Wale adds the necessary lyrical flow to "Greatness" without taking the focus away from Raheem, while Marley on "Revelations 2010" adds the funk to this already Soul-blazed song about the social and political war on Black men.

The best collaboration on the CD, however, is "Nobody Wins a War," which is 100 times better than any tribute song we've heard with a heavy set of celebrity vocalists on the mic. This song features Raheem on lead with verses and chorus sung by the likes of Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra, Chrisette Michele, Shelby Johnson, Ledisi, Citizen Cope, Dwele, Chico DeBarge and Rudy Currence. Pure beauty.

Raheem DeVaughn feat. Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra,
Chrisette Michele, Shelby Johnson, Ledisi, Citizen Cope, Dwele,
Chico DeBarge and Rudy Currence: "Nobody Wins A War"


The Love & War Masterpeace is searingly open and honest. While Raheem is a superior vocalist, with a falsetto that is equally matched with stellar lower registers, he has taken as much care with his lyrics this go round as he has with his voice. The track "Black and Blue" about domestic abuse is a welcome addition to this collection in the aftermath of the Chris Brown and Rihanna drama that has brought the question of unhealthy relationships to the forefront. Still speaking of relationships on "My Wife," Raheem tells it like India.Arie did on her song "Ready for Love," letting the world know he is ready to receive his life partner. "...don't want no girlfriend..." he sings, "...not five, not three, just one."

Describing this album as next level is not simply a reference to Raheem's lyrical, production and vocal skills. Beyond the artful incorporation of relevant issues within his songs, he has also created the first song I am aware of that speaks of the benefits of human lovemaking versus the use of a vibrator on "B.O.B." Don't ask. Just listen. And just add this once to your collection.

Raheem DeVaughn The Love & War Masterpeace [Amazon][iTunes]