V Playlist: Raheem DeVaughn, Ciara, Chrisette Michele x Wale, And More

VIBE's Daily Additions to the 'Pod

1. Raheem DeVaughn - Heemy Taught Me 2 (Mixtape)
Can you believe this is Raheem's 15th mixtape? We haven't heard majority of those, but Heemy Taught Me 2 delivers some impressive slow jams, crooning over both familiar & new songs. His remakes, like Keri Hilson's "Slow Dance" and the Wale/Miguel collaboration "Lotus Flower Bomb," give you a dose of Raheem's own flavor & stands out from the originals. "You (Original Version)" and "Lay A While" are fresh sensual tracks that remind you just how great the tone of his voice sounds. Good R&B mixtapes come few and far between, but this one is definitely one of them.

2. Ciara – "Turn On The Lights (Remix)"
There's not much different from the original going on here. Aside from an added verse, Ci-Ci contributes little to nothing.

3. Chrisette Michele (Feat. Wale) - "Rich Hipster"
"Rich Hipster"—sounds like an oxymoron, but the "rich" factor actually is a metaphor for the inner wealth that comes from living free and full of individuality. Get it? Regardless, Chrisette sounds pretty amazing.

4. Vado – "My Team Go"
The production is lackluster & a bit predictable, but it's good to hear fresh verses from one of Harlem's brightest new stars. We're sure Slime Flu 3 will offer up some better bangers.

5. Shawnna (feat. T-Pain) – "Pimp N Tha Cadillac"
Shawnna's flow is as slick as we remember it, but what really stands out here is the smooth instrumental—courtesy of Tha Bizness.

6. 20 Grand Pikaso - "Smoking on That Shit Again"
We can appreciate the smoker life, trust us, but Pikaso could've been more clever with the weed analogies. The chorus ened up sounding a bit too repetitive. Not a bad track overall though.