Raheem DeVaughn “I Would Die 4 U (Prince Cover)”
It’s not fair that somebody like T-Pain could probably just sneeze on a track and it would be guaranteed a Platinum-selling download and heavy hitter at radio, while the far more deserving Raheem DeVaughn continually struggles to make a significant mark beyond his fanbase of critics, fellow artists and in-the-know soul-lovers. It’s enough to make you actually WANT to cue some Black Eyed Peas up just so you can scream “Where is the love?” at the top of your lungs.
Nevertheless, here’s something that should perk up more than a few ears and give this sadly still-underrated talent some major attention:
In a move that would’ve probably destroyed the career of a lesser crooner, DeVaughn bravely tackles and, a bit un-surprisingly (at least, to us), masters this dazzling remake of the Prince Purple Rain classic “I Would Die 4 U”.
Not only is DeVaughn’s (thankfully spoof-free) vocal performance killer, but the electric groove-handling of his backing musicians alone (love that hyperactive percussion underlining!!!!), makes us long for the days when R&B was ruled by the exciting twist-and-turn intricacies of REAL bands. By song’s end, even the hard-core atheist will be jumping out of their seats, engaged in the fiercest soul clap in reaction to the tune’s sudden detour into moving gospel extravagance. Yes, you read that right: GOSPEL DETOUR!!
DL: “I Would Die 4 U” (alt)
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