Raheem devaughn: what a time to be in loVe

James Johnson: This is really awesome. The one thing I’m grateful for is that with every project you release, I get an opportunity to connect with you in promoting that project, and talk about how things continue to progress for you. So, congratulations to you for everything happening right now and the deal with SRG.

Raheem DeVaughn: For sure, thanks for having me. 

James Johnson: So the deal you have is mazing because to be A&R, it’s something I’ve always wanted to be. More like my dream job. This gave you the opportunity to work with so many more people now. You’re obviously handling the latest project for Mike Phillips, but you’re also behind the project of Brave Williams, who I’ve also always followed. I think it’s dope man. Talk about the deal and why it’s so significant in your continued progression?

Raheem DeVaughn: Well, most of the artists I’m involved with, like Mike and Brave, they are both their own machines in a certain sense which makes it easy. I try to find things that don’t require me to do so much. I have artists with minimal needs. That’s the type of artist I like. I can spend time connecting their brands to the right distributors and facilitating their needs. That has been the focus. It all happened organically, and I’m earning my stripes right now. Looking to sign some more after this. I’m A&Ring my project as well. 

James Johnson: In terms of you being busy, I know that you have always kept a grueling schedule as is, but now y0u have the entire sense of having to worry about everyone else too. Does it now become difficult with you being a thriving artist with new material? 

Raheem DeVaughn: Not at all because I’m working with people who are very self-contained, so there’s not a lot of red tape. Once we set a physical street and digital date, we can make sure they meet the deadlines. They have an infrastructure and management to hold them accountable. Typically artists want their stuff out as soon as possible, so they only hurt themselves not meeting deadlines. It’s an opportunity to work smarter, not harder. 

James Johnson: The beauty in this whole union is they have someone who has endured the struggles of the industry. What can you bring to them that they have not gotten prior?

Raheem DeVaughn: Well one, I think that they are now officially a part of R&B and Soul music now. They didn’t have that before. They had the chance, but they didn’t have it in the arena of black soul music. This is a unique company. It’s not many situations where you will have the owner of the company on the phone with you should a problem arise, or to get good news. 

James Johnson: I think one fo the things I really love is the timeless effect in your material. It’s genuinely timeless. I can think back to ’05 and ’06, you were here in town with Lil’ Mo and that’s where I began following. Often I’ll hear something and think it’s new, but I’’ find out it’s from a decade ago. It’s crazy that I really have just recently heard “Guess Who Loves You More”. You music is truly timeless. Where does that put you in terms of mindset?

Raheem DeVaughn: It just tells me to remain consistent and not be afraid to grow. Be more of a critic and perfectionist. I’ve become more of a perfectionist at what I do, and that has become a key in my staying power. “Guess Who Loves You More” is from “The Love Experience”, so to have that timeless body of work and continuously build to make other tunes that resonate the same, it’s a blessing in itself. 

James Johnson: Well, listen man, “Mr. Midnight” has grown so strong, and so many love it. Talk about that single?

Raheem DeVaughn: “Mr. Midnight”, It’s the official first single from “What A Time To Be In Love”. You can get the album on all digital platforms, and you can order physical copies. We have the online store available. Click the link in my bio and on Facebook, and be one of 500-1000 people to get an autograph along with the CD. It’s a sexy record. It’s me growing into my full beard. Growing into my grown and mannish vibe. Being comfortable in my sensuality in an attempt to create black love. 

Dcysive: How are you?

Raheem DeVaughn: I’m good, how are you?

Dcysive: I’m great. First, thank you so much for being a part of this. I can’t wait to listen, but I’m still in love with ‘The Love & War Masterpiece”, and “Love, Sex, Passion”, so I’m going to be doing some comparisons…

Raheem DeVaughn: Aww, cool.

Dcysive: You have such amazing swag, and I know one of your favorite artists was Babyface. How did he influence you?

Raheem DeVaughn: He influenced me in terms of songwriting, vocal arrangement, complicity, and he always made tasteful R&B. When it went completely ratchet, it kinda affected what he did because it wasn’t the trend anymore. Trends will never supersede that formula, and that’s something I learned from him. That’s why regardless of what trends happen, there’s a rich catalog that he is responsible for, and that’s different. That’s what I aspire to inspire to be. 

James Johnson: I don’t know if you notice with his music, but it also stands with yours. His music continues to grow with the listener. I was still in elementary and junior high school when a lot of his music dropped. Now, it falls in place with me. As you grow older, and as the listeners grow older, they can appreciate his and your music so much more. It speaks to that timeless evolution in the material. 

Raheem DeVaughn: Wow, I never looked at it like that. Sometimes you have to grow into the music. 

James Johnson: Right. And it’s crazy that now, I go back and download a lot of his music as I’ve matured. 

Dcysive: One more question from me. How on earth did you come up with “Nobody Wins A War”? You had a dynamic cast on that record. 

Raheem DeVaughn: Originally the record was just me, but I wrote it to have a record with multiple artist, almost like my version of “We Are The World”. So originally it was just me, then I reached out to different artists and it happened organically. Some people said yes and some declined. It was a thing putting that together. 

Dcysive: Heck yea. First of all, you had Dwele, who you are often compared to. Then I think you have Donnie Hathaway’s swag times ten. I think you carry that in your music. Dr. Cornel West was on there. You are so overdue Raheem. 

Raheem DeVaughn: That album was nominated for R&B album of the year at the Grammys, and although it didn’t win, it was a timeless body of work. Once the frequency is out there, I can’t control what happens. 

Dcysive: We still rock to this here Raheem…

Raheem DeVaughn: As you should (laughing)…

James Johnson: I’m grateful for what you bring to R&B culture man. I have to admit, for so long I felt like R&B was dying out and doomed. You’re doing amazing. 

Raheem DeVaughn: Thank you man. I appreciate that…

Dcysive: I heard Marvin Gaye at the end, was he a favorite?

Raheem DeVaughn: Marvin Gaye is a heavy influence…

James Johnson: What else is planned in celebration and promotion of this new project? 

Raheem DeVaughn: I have a series of online concerts planned for the winter. Rolling over into the spring, we should hopefully be able to resume some drive-in concerts. We’re just taking it day by day. Being one of the artists who was here when there were no streams, I’m all over the playlist. Staying consistent in terms of new technology that can help push the music. 

James Johnson: How was your process affected by COVID?

Raheem DeVaughn: It was a big financial hit in terms of LIVE shows. A huge hit, but you know, staying creative and innovative is the key. Being away from family at times is hard, but we’re adjusting to the new norm. 

James Johnson: Thank you so much man. I truly appreciate the fact that we connect for each of your projects. Continue doing what you do. Any final words?

Raheem DeVaughn: Just a gentle reminder that this is available on all streaming platforms. Check out the new single ‘Twilight”. Enjoy the vibe. Follow me on social media at @RaheemDeVaughn. Thank you for your platform. 

GENE NOBLE

Gene Noble

it’s quite amazing where music has gone current day. For so long, we’ve been missing solid R&B contributors in the industry. R&B artist Gene Noble is here to offer a bit of that nostalgia, if you will, that we had come accustomed to, with his new music. His singles Matching Tattoo, and now Champagne Jack, are lighting up radio as we speak. We had an opportunity to talk to Noble about these singles, as well as more of his material. Check him out.

James Johnson: Thank you so much for calling into the show today man…

Gene Noble: Thank you for having me..

James Johnson: How are things going for you?

Gene Noble: Everything is great. 

James Johnson: I thought it was pretty dope that we got an immediate response about you being LIVE with us today. Matching Tattoos is really dope. To be honest, I heard the single a couple weeks ago. Initially I kept replaying, and after a few times, I really wanted to connect. I appreciate you.

Gene Noble: Thank you man, I appreciate it. 

James Johnson: You have some dope material in your catalog, but before we get there and talk about the single “Matching Tattoos”, take us back to your beginnings and how you got started..

Gene Noble: I’ve been singing and touring with other artists, and I started songwriting for other artists. All that time, I wanted to put out my material. I’ve had other records and I’ve done some stuff independently. Now, I’m with Hidden Beach, and it’s been a great experience. “Matching Tattoos” is the first single and it’s top 20. I’ve been at it ever since. It’s going well. I’m a New Yorker, from Long Island. 

James Johnson: I saw your were on Hidden Beach. Most know of their work with Jill Scott, and all the others. It’s funny that we even bring Hidden Beach up because recently I was searching for some of the albums they released years ago where the hip-hop music was being transformed into Jazz. I think it’s dope you’re with them. Talk about that experience?

Gene Noble: It’s been incredible. Actually before COVID, I Wass touring with Jill Scott, and she was performing all the tracks from her debut. They had those types of artists who could work their albums that way. With COVID, we had to hit the brakes a little bit. It’s been great though. Hidden Beach is about real musicianship, and artists who have something to say. I write all my own material, and I believe it was a perfect marriage. This project will be similar to her first album in the sense that it will become a classic. If you put it on and play from the top, I can tour from it later down the line. 

James Johnson: That’s the dope thing about Hidden Beach. Every artist they had, they put so much into the projects and the entire musicality. You got a dope project from top to bottom and it’s timeless. Jill’s dropped in 2000, and it’s still fresh. 

Gene Noble: That’s an incredible thing. Every single track on tour, everybody was up singing. It’s twenty years later, and that’s an incredible thing to be able to do. It was cool to be part of that tour. 

James Johnson: Right. All the artists also worked together and worked to promote each other. 

Gene Noble: Right. I actually got hired with Jill, and once we had that conversation about me being there, I had her blessing. I’ve looked up to her my whole life. 

James Johnson: Talk about your project you’re pushing now?

Gene Noble: I just put out another song called “Champagne Jack”. It’s climbing and well, and has been added to a number of playlists. .People will be blown away by the project though. The hardest thing about finishing the project is picking between what to keep and what to eliminate. 

James Johnson: That’s a good problem to have

Gene Noble: For sure. I think it’s a great time for R&B music right now. I listen to the playlist and feel to be in great company. I allow myself to write from a vulnerable place. It’ll be live instruments and heavy drums. 

James Johnson: It’s funny that when I listen, I get the sense that you’re like the “favorite artist’s favorite artist”. I think you fall in that category because you have lots of dope material. Talk more about Champagne Jack and the premise behind it?

Gene Noble: Matching Tattoos, I got this track and listened closely to the steel drums, and immediately I said I had never heard that before. I wanted to do something with it. I never ever realized how many people had matching tattoo stories. I see now it’s a great conversation starter. 

James Johnson: Now Champagne Jack, what’s the story behind that? 

Gene Noble: It’s like me pushing music forward in a way. I really want to be able to sing at my greatest potential. Some songs I really push my voice, and that’s one of them. It’s just a vibe. The beat was dope, provided by St. Luke. It’s getting a lot o love, and has been added to a bunch of playlists. I leave it up to people to interpret it the way they choose. It’s actually my favorite track right now. 

James Johnson: Both tracks are doing very well. What’s next in terms of promotion?

Gene Noble: As things open up, we’ll get out and do more shows. That’s my strongest suit right now, just performing LIVE. In the mean time, we have more visuals that we’re shooting, mixing and mastering, and getting ready for the new year. 

James Johnson: In what other ways were you affected by the pandemic?

Gene Noble: Well, the cool thing for me was being stationary. Otherwise, I would still be touring and recording from different hotels. This gave me the opportunity to be stationary. Also being with a new team and label, it gave the opportunity for bonding. 

James Johnson: R&B is definitely moving in a better direction, and you have a lot to do with that. You’re taking it back to the true essence and a place of enjoyment. Many have stopped buying music because of where it has been. 

Gene Noble: I agree, but we’ve seen a lot of dope projects post-pandemic. 

James Johnson: Right. It’s you! Raheem DeVaughn. Snoh Aalegra. It’s really awesome, and I’m grateful for you coming on and connecting with us. What else can we look for from you?

Gene Noble: I’ll consistently be dropping content. I’ll be pushing Champagne Jack for a while. 

James Johnson: Well you’re on my playlist with Tidal now man (laughing). Where can everyone find you online?

Gene Noble: I’m mostly on instagram, and my page is @iamgenenoble.