Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown – Lovesick [Album Stream]

R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn and producer Apollo Brown have just released their new collaborative project, “Lovesick”.

It is a work of startling beauty, a blend of modern R&B, classic soul, and guttural funk that recalls Smokey Robinson, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye. Yet it doesn’t sound out of step alongside DeVaughn’s peers The-Dream, Anderson .Paak, and Miguel. It is an album that bears the echoes of Jodeci and James Brown, but it is ultimately the clarion vision of two masters of their respective forms. Released on Mello Music, “Lovesick” is a stylistic departure from Apollo Brown’s cold-blooded 21st century boom-bap, but it shouldn’t come as a shock considering his historical skill at soulful sample chopping. Still, it’s testament to the Michigan native’s versatility and emotional depth; he has turned a sonic left turn into an eternal groove — an expansion that feels reminiscent of DJ Premier producing for D’Angelo, Salaam Remi collaborating with Amy Winehouse, J Dilla’s bible material with Erykah Badu, or more recently, Knxlwdge’s NxWorries project with .Paak.

A 12-track offering, with features coming from Skyzoo, Becky Cane, Westside Boogie and 3D Na’Tee. Press play below and pick up a copy on Bandcamp.