Raheem DeVaughn: Love King of the Underground on his Quiet R&B Revolution

Ian Von sits down with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and Love King Raheem DeVaughn for a raw convo on artistry, independence, and love as a lifestyle. Raheem breaks down why he’s often seen as an “underground king,” his path from background singer for Ginuwine to respected solo artist, and how he’s stayed consistent and independent for 20+ years. He talks creative process (rarely writing lyrics down), balancing sensuality with socially conscious “edutainment,” his community work, and why his best song is still ahead of him. They also touch on the state of R&B, the streaming era’s flood of music, live performance strategy, generational influences, and dream collabs. If you love real R&B and game from an OG still ascending, this episode delivers. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Edited By: Lazy Pickle Studio | www.instagram.com/LazyPickleStudios Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Show Intro 0:22 Introducing Raheem DeVaughn 1:06 Raheem Joins the Conversation 2:00 Being an “Unsung Legend” & Underground King 3:00 Major Label Days & Why He’s Not More Mainstream 4:18 Independence & Accolades (Grammy Nods) 5:14 The “Love King” Moniker & The Love Brand 6:25 Love as a Frequency vs Modern R&B’s Focus 7:21 Creating Albums Like a Seven-Course Meal 8:12 Catalog Overview & Standout Projects 9:19 Social Consciousness in the Music 10:25 Crooning, Falsetto & Signature Sound 11:35 Intentional Storytelling & Genre Blending 13:08 His Writing Process: No Pen, No Pad 14:02 Influence on the New Generation & Who He Listens To 16:00 Radio Personality & Breaking New R&B 17:39 Dream Collaborations (Current Wish List) 19:00 Artistry, Activism & The Love Life Foundation 20:39 Why Domestic Violence & HIV Awareness? 21:35 Leading by Example in Community Work 22:43 The State of R&B in 2025 24:06 “R&B Is Dead?” Discoverability & The Algorithm 26:06 R&B Resurgence, Live Shows & Three Generations of Fans 27:44 First Impressions Live & Having “Nine Lives” in Music 29:43 Building a Deep Vault & Show Construction 31:10 Current Show Opener: “When a Man” & Crowd Engagement 32:35 Studying Comedians for Timing 33:21 Musical DNA & Family Legacy 34:27 Discovering His Calling & Dropping Out for Music 35:12 R&B University: Background Singing for Ginuwine 36:12 Landing the Gig with Ginuwine 37:32 Choosing to Leave & Step Into His Own 39:21 DC Open Mic Circuit & Early Groups 40:21 Landing His Jive Records Deal (2002–2005) 41:26 Star-Studded Label Roster & Watching Careers Rise 42:25 Working with UGK & The Pimp C Phone Call 43:33 Collaborations with UGK & Pimp C’s Vision 44:11 Southern Love for UGK & Cultural Parallels 45:07 Biggest Lessons from the Journey 46:23 Still Ascending & Best Work Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices