What does it mean to be lovesick? Is it the yearning for someone you can’t touch? Perhaps it’s when you contain so much love that you simply combust. There are not many who understand love’s madness and complexities like Raheem DeVaughn. Over 15 years in the game, Raheem’s prowess is a result of dedication, growth, and understanding matters of the heart. He sings his verses — which are conversational and confessional — as if he’s alone in the room with a gorgeous woman. His voice reflects the scorching desire and the heart-racing anxiety for the perfect partner.

Earlier this month, Raheem returned with his new album Lovesick, a joint-effort with legendary producer Apollo Brown that’s filled to the brim with lust, vulnerability, and soul. On last year’s collaboration with Che Noir, As God Intended, Apollo created a world covered in grit and grime that brought Che’s street tales to life. On Lovesick, Brown exchanges the heavy bass, snapping percussion, and grittiness for uptempo jazz instruments, soulful finger snaps, and funky bass lines. Apollo’s ear for production is meticulous, grabbing ingredients like isolated vocals, chopped jazz and soul samples, and enough bass to rattle the chinaware in your neighbor’s house.

We recently had the opportunity to chop it up with both Raheem and Apollo about Lovesick. We spoke on keeping the subject of love fresh, longevity in the game, and the importance of connectivity in any relationship.

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