Devaughn has released four mixtapes in his The Street Experience series, the title which stems from his 2005 solo debut The Love Experience. “It’s just another way for me to put out music while I’m waiting for my album to come out.” He’s not that new to the game…
Before signing with Jive in 2002, Devaughn released several independent albums—both independently and as a founding member of Urban 31, a Baltimore/D.C. musician collective—and developed a cult-like following in the D.C. area. He toured with Brian McKnight last year…
“To tour with him like that—that was pretty major. But, I definitely held my own on that tour.” He’s like an old soul…
Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield, and Prince are among Devaughn’s favorite musicians. He’s an east-coaster thru and thru…
Born in Orange, New Jersey, Devaughn was primarily raised in the Maryland/Washington area. He’s got musical roots…
Devaughn is the son of noted jazz musician Abdul Wadud. He’s destined for stardom…
“I can remember at a very young age, standing in my mother’s living room, listening to music and saying to myself, ‘I’m going to be an entertainer.’” He never reveals his age…
“I’m timeless, like my music.” He’s more into music than mathematics…
While a student at Coppin State, he became friends with a group of guys who used to sing a cappella on the yard. “Before I knew what was going on, I was in a group, cutting class to write lyrics and record.” He’s in a league of his own…
“I’m what you call an R&B/hippie/neo-soul/rockstar in a hip hop world.” He’s heavily influenced by hip hop…
“I approach what I do and promote myself like a rapper would, with the mixtapes, etc.” He takes his craft very seriously… right “I’d like to do endorsements one day, but right now this is my focus. If I don’t do right by [my singing career], then I can’t be expecting to be doing all the other things.” He’s au natural…
Devaughn has never had any formal vocal training. He’s creeping on the come up… “I don’t feel like I’ve been slept on, really. The slow grind is the best grind and more people find out about me everyday.” His music has a message…
“I think of myself as an activist musically, half of my album is socially conscious” He doesn’t take his competition very seriously…
“I don’t feel like I have any competition. I’m not in it for the accolades and all that type of thing. I just enjoy making great music and performing.” He’s busy, busy, busy…
Devaughn just wrapped up his second album, which has a tentative release date of early 2007, and will be hitting the road on a Heineken-sponsored tour in September. He’s a bit of a sneaker head…
His biggest guilty pleasure is spending “outrageous amounts of money on sneakers all at once.” He’s a big spender…
The most Devaughn ever spent on shoes was one thousand dollars. But they weren’t for him, they were for a female friend. He has two left feet…
“I’m not really a good dancer. I lay back in the cut, like Biggie.” Read more vibe.com online exclusives.
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