Raheem DeVaughn, Rhymefest Team Up for "Final Call (Saviors Day)"
Now that Valentine's Day is over, the Love King is wrapping up Black History Month with some knowledge spreading via a new video for the Kenny Dope-produced track, "Final Call (Saviors Day)" featuring Rhymefest.
The nine-minute song is a call to action for "Generation Next," DeVaughn explained, and was inspired by the Nation of Islam holiday, Saviors Day, held the last weekend of February.
"Final Call (Saviors Day)" was inspired after an invitation to attend Saviors Day by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, which I was humbled to accept," DeVaughn told BET.com. "I feel like 'Generation Next' is in a state of 9-1-1."
The cause behind the emergency, DeVaughn said, is "the excessive use of force by those who are to protect and serve us to the unnecessary loss of Black male life ... [for example] the murders of Jordan Russell [Davis] and Trayvon Martin."
The trials that have unfolded in the wake of both teens' murders have been just as shocking.
DeVaughn describes the song as "reminiscent of the inner-city blues Marvin [Gaye] and Curtis Mayfield sang about in generations prior," and said he teamed up with Chicago-bred raptivist Rhymefest because, he said, he "has always been an ally of mine for years, and a very blunt and thought-provoking MC."
Kenny Dope, the remix master who, as part of Masters of Work, helped mix Aaliyah's "More Than a Woman," and has prepped two versions of the song. "We have both a soul version and a house version," he said, adding that although there are somber notes, it has an uplifting message.... The songs touch on the struggle, but show how if you persevere and maintain hope, things can eventually be saved."
"Final Call (Saviors Day)" is now available via iTunes. It will ultimately land on Kenny Dope's upcoming album from his label Kay Dee Records.
BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photos from left: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images, Paul Natkin/WireImage)
