Neo-soul casanova Raheem DeVaughn used to cut class to write songs. He’s now a respected songwriter with multiple Grammy nominations to his name. • As a kid, DeVaughn would accompany his father, respected jazz cellist Abdul Wadud, to his nighttime performances. Inspired by the musician’s life, he began to consider a future in music. • In college, he attempted to balance academics with music, but he eventually dropped out to pursue his career. • DeVaughn devoted himself to the Washington, DC, music scene and met Cliff Jones and Jerry Vines, managers of the R&B outfit Dru Hill. They recruited DeVaughn to write a song for the group. • The Dru Hill songwriting credit led to a deal with Jive Records and the 2005 release of DeVaughn’s debut album, The Love Experience, which cracked the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. • In 2008, DeVaughn released Love Behind the Melody. The single “Woman” received a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Performance.