Soul singer Raheem DeVaughn sounds equally inspired by the gospel sounds of the church and the street funk of hip-hop. DeVaughn, who built a credible following on the independent scene touring and releasing mixtapes, was introduced to a wider audience in 2005 with the release of his debut disc The Love Experience, which has sold 1/4 million albums to date just off of word-of-mouth and touring alone. The DC native has always strived to create the perfect hybrid of old school grooves and new school attitude and nowhere is this more evident than on his new album, Love Behind the Melody.

"I know I'm one of the most slept on artists out right now," says Raheem, "Not that I mind being the underdog, but hopefully Love Behind the Melody will change all of that." Already nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at this year's Grammy Awards, Raheem is aided by a roster of A-list producers that includes Mark Batson, Chucky Thompson and Scott Storch on his new album. Two highlights are the lead single "Woman" with its laidback groove and vocal charm, and "Mo Better," a heavy midnight ballad that invokes memories of driving through the deserted streets blaring the Brothers Johnson and the Floaters. The newcomer possesses a falsetto voice like Marvin Gaye, yet his range is way beyond ballads. On "Marathon," Raheem joins forces once again with friend and producer Kenny "Dope" Gonzales and the Scott Storchproduced pop/funk of "Energy" features a stellar guest spot from superstar rapper Big Boi (OutKast). Love Behind the Melody lets Raheem's soul shine, announcing the return of this talented artist who is not going to hold back - but don't just listen to the seven cuts from Love Behind the Melody album on the CD sampler here. Play the DVD to learn more about the new album in an exclusive EPK; watch the sexy-cool video for the first single, "Woman" and then get a brief taste of why Raheem's live shows have become the buzz of industry by watching a clip of him performing "Woman" live in Atlanta earlier this year.

"Woman" Video