The Love & War MasterPeace

The long wait for the self proclaimed " R&B Hippie Neo-Soul Rock Star," Raheem DeVaughn's third studio LP is finally here. He has presented The Love & War MasterPeace. The artwork speaks volumes itself, many of us recall the saying, "the revolution will not be televised," but with DeVaughn clad in all black and fist raised in the air set inside of a tv screen it seems he thinks otherwise. Music has been in a dire need of a solid offering that offers more than trendy radio cuts, buts digs deeper and exposes the depth and emotion that R&B/Soul music used to evoke. If you are a fan of GOOD music than you will get more than a fair serving with what Raheem DeVaughn has delivered with this album, disappointment doesn't seem quite possible.

The album begins with Dr. Cornel West stating plainly that DeVaughn is the "greatest soul singer of his generation...who has created a masterpiece," and placing him clearly as belonging to the lineage of great artists such as Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Issac Hayes, Bob Marley, and Donny Hathaway. He challenges you to, "stay with his groove." Immediately following the introduction the album kicks off with Bulletproof feat. Ludacris followed by an album standout The Greatness feat. Wale. It makes a point to illustrate the need for appreciation of beauty from the inside out, a call to look a little deeper in yourself than just staring at what you see as a physical and material reflection in the mirror. Next you have I Don't Care, which finds the artist proclaiming to his woman that they are an ideal match, regardless of what others may say. Next up is Black & Blue, and in this track you'll hear exactly what love is not with regards to domestic violence. Love is a number of things according to Raheem, but it is never conveyed by putting your hands on the one you love. Among the next few tracks any gentlemen will find them perfectly suitable for making a case for themselves to lady of their interest. Mr. Right, Fragile, My Wife, B.O.B, and Bedroom follow almost a logic sequence of courtship, commitment, keeping things fresh, and then taking them to the next level. Microphone and Garden of Love continue the album's theme of love and at this point you should be more than halfway through the album.

By the time you reach the latter half of the album you are revisited by Dr. West and a PSA, which readies you for songs centered more around social change and the current environment that we all currently live in. At this point almost everyone is familiar with Bulletproof, but there are other songs that in my opinion outshine it such as Revelations 2010 feat. Damian Marley and Nobody Wins A War, which can only be described as a music afficionado's ideal posse cut. You couldn't ask for more than a track with Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra, Shelby Johnson, Chrisette Michele, Dwele, Ledisi, Citizen Cope , Chico DeBarge, and Rudy Currence all singing effortlessly and voices blending together in a way that only they could execute.

All in all The Love & War MasterPeace LP is a cohesive project that should easily engage and satisfy those who look to hear good quality music. Just as Sade's recent Soldier of Love LP moved almost 500,000 units in the first week, I expect Raheem DeVaughn to do the same. Many in the industry complain of slow sales and a decline in business, but what I think it is simply put is that consumers are eager for projects like the ones previously mention that deliver solid song selection, well executed performances, and a consistent high caliber of music throughout the entire album. Go and cop the album and see what you think. And if you want there is even a deluxe edition that offers eleven additional cuts. So since you have quality music available, its time to show some support for it.

01 Dr. Cornell West Intro
02 Bulletproof f. Ludacris
03 The Greatness f. Wale
04 I Don’t Care
05 Black & Blue
06 Mr. Right
07 Dr. Cornell West Interlude
08 Fragile f. Malik Yusef
09 My Wife
10 B.O.B.
11 Bedroom
12 Microphone
13 Garden Of Love
14 Dr. Cornell West P.S.A.
15 Nobody Wins A War f. Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra, Chrisette Michele, Shelby Johnson, Ledisi, Citizen Cope, Dwele, Chico DeBarge & Rudy Currence
16 Revelations 2010 f. Damian Marley