Love was truly in the air on Tuesday, October 8th at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Times Square. Gospel crooner turned R&B singer, Mali Music, came to show the world why he crossed over to secular music while veteran Raheem DeVaughn came with the intent to send love signals to NYC natives and fans were ready to put this king on his throne.
Aspiring musician Mali Music opened the night with a stage presence that was unique and full of energy. Fans were on their feet and plugged in when he sang his original songs "Ready to Aim," "Beautiful," "No Fun Alone," and "Fight for You." The experience was an honorable one for Mali because he performed live in the Big Apple. Everyone knows it can be difficult to make a long lasting impression as a performer in New York City, but Mali passed the test.
Even though audience members enjoyed Mali's performance, everyone was still anxious to see Raheem DeVaughn. It was VITAL at this point! To keep the party jumpin', DeVaughn's DJ hyped fans up by playing the classic old school R&B jams.During the 20 minute intermission, the audience was the "life of the party." Guests were dancing and singing word for word to songs from Mary J. Blige, BBD, Slick Rick, Marvin Gaye, Jade, SWV, TLC, Soul for Real, and many more.
But, it was time to save the best for last! When DeVaughn started singing on stage, he had two job titles: performer and "love doctor." The vocalist set the mood, especially for the ladies, when he sang his songs. DeVaughn performed his hits, "Customer," "I Don't Care," "You," "Guess Who Loves You More," "Love Connection," "Ridiculous," "You Were Made by the Creator of Love," and his biggest hit, "Woman." The song, "Woman," is a special song dedicated to strong, beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and God-fearing women.
Filled with emotions, DeVaughn made his presence known by exuding the energy from each song onto concert-goers. Fans had an intimate moment with the singer when he asked two beautiful women from the stage to take a journey to his love-land.
DeVaughn is truly a performer! His music can touch people's souls and questions their own motives about loving someone at the same time. DeVaughn expresses his love for the art each time he steps into the studio to record and/or write a song for music lovers. Even though R&B is going through a transitional period, DeVaughn still strives to be original and artistic. And when you have these two elements in R&B music, fans will recognize originality and quality in your work. And this is why DeVaughn is still relevant in the business 8 years later.
