Eric Bellinger’s journey from the streets of Compton to Grammy-winning heights—and his viral Tiny Desk performance alongside Usher—is a story of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering love for music. Growing up as the grandson of musical legend Bobby Day, he balanced church choir beginnings with the realities of his environment, shaping a unique perspective that continues to fuel his artistry.
Known for his soulful R&B, Eric has consistently stayed true to his values while pushing creative boundaries. His single Special blends R&B with other genres, showcasing his evolving artistry. His new album, It’ll All Make Sense Later, marks an exciting new era for him, inviting listeners to experience the evolution of his sound. In this #LAChats conversation, he reflects on his journey, the impact of collaborations with icons like Usher and Konshens, and his vision for connecting with audiences worldwide.
INTRO & BACKGROUND
For those who might be new to your music, how would you describe your journey from the streets of Compton to being a Grammy-winning artist?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I grew up in church. My parents did not want me to go to school in Compton so I used to drive 45 minutes to school to a different area. On the weekends I would be around Compton dodging drive-by shootings and this gave me the perspective of experiencing both sides and it forced me to be a chameleon and blend in wherever I go. It’s been a roller coaster ride, so many challenges, so many blessings, so many lessons. I am so privileged to be independent and be able to do what I love.
Coming from a musical lineage as Bobby Day’s grandson, when did you realize music was the path you wanted to pursue? Was there a defining moment or experience?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I started pursuing music right after I graduated high school. I had been playing football since I was six and I used to sing in church my whole life.
Who were some of your biggest influences when you were starting, and how did they shape your approach to music?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I have many influences, from Usher, The Writing Camp and Stevie Wonder to Babyface. I draw inspiration from various artists globally and also the new kids on the block. In the beginning of my career, there were so many people singing about being with multiple women but I just wanted to be different and I realized there was a lane for that too and stayed true to my heart and my values.
THE LOVE FOR RNB
Looking back, was there a particular song or artist that first sparked your love for R&B?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I was a big fan of Michael Jackson growing up, although he did disco as well. Whether it was the Afro when he was a child, to the curls to the jacket on Thriller–I loved how he would reinvent himself through every album.
Your music is known for its depth and connection (which is the core of RNB). Where do you find inspiration for such authentic and relatable lyrics?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I am truly a lover, a fan of R&B music and a romantic dude so I create from feeling an emotion. It’s a genuine emotion. I still play on buying flowers, I wear my emotions on my sleeves and I love to reflect this in my persona.
PROJECT DEEP DIVE: “SPECIAL” WITH KONSHENS
“Special” brings together R&B, Dancehall, and Afrobeats in a new way. This idea for a “triple threat” genre fusion is something very interesting. Share the thinking behind this (America meets Jamaica meets Nigeria).
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I’ve been releasing traditional R&B my entire career and it’s been great, but this new shift has me more excited than ever. The music feels fresh and my hunger has been renewed. With this reinvention, I feel like a new artist again.
Working with Konshens, who is known for his versatility, must have been a unique experience. What about his musicianship made him perfect for this song?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I’ve been a fan and friend of Konshens for years now. With me experimenting with this new sound, we both felt it was the perfect time for us to collaborate. We’ve both been killin’ it in our own lanes so it just made so much sense for us to come together and keep it in the family. Plus we also share the same management and many times we have found each other in the same spaces. This made us grow a brotherhood that was more than just business. He is my hommie and I am also a fan of his music.
CREATIVE GROWTH & EXPERIMENTATION
South Africa seems to have left a mark on you creatively. Where did you visit and how did your time there influence you as a musician? And which artists do you see yourself collaborating with in the future?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I went to Cape Town, I enjoyed the food, the culture, went to the beach in the daytime there and linked up with upcoming and established producers like Luke Goliath, Andre Graham and Verbb. This experience enabled me to be a student again, it allowed me to listen and learn while being creative and be open to new sounds. I was away from all the distraction that I would normally encounter back home, where different people need different things from me. Here, I could just tunnel vision into the music and nothing but the music.
You’ve described this new direction as feeling like a “new artist again.” How has this refreshed energy impacted your overall creative process?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: I’ve always stayed pretty true to R&B in the past whether it be slow or uptempo/club or bedroom vibes lol. But with the new music and album I felt the need to dance. To celebrate. To be triumphant. Each project I’ve always challenged myself to see what I could do next and the first place my heart chose to go was Afro!
As someone who’s long been rooted in traditional R&B, are there other genres you’re looking to experiment with?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: My new album ‘It’ll All Make Sense Later’ is pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. The album features Amapiano and Afro-influenced tracks, alongside the R&B smoothness that my fans know me for. My first singles tapped into Afrobeats and set the tone for this exciting new era in my music. “Feelings Never Die” and “Shooting Star” featuring Oxlade are a fusion of Afrobeats and R&B. I am open to more experiments and collaborations.
ALBUM INSIGHTS: IT’LL ALL MAKE SENSE LATER
Your album ‘It’ll All Make Sense Later drops Friday 22 Nov. What can fans look forward to in terms of themes and sound?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: My new album offers something a bit different from my previous projects. I felt the need to dance, to celebrate and to be triumphant. I’m always challenging myself to push boundaries, and this album takes me into Afro-influenced sounds. It blends vibrant Amapiano and Afrobeat rhythms with smooth R&B vibes, offering a fresh yet familiar sound that I’m sure my fans will love.
What do you hope it will bring to your listeners?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: The album’s African influences offer listeners a glimpse into my evolution as a global artist, blending diverse genres and cultures in a way that feels both fresh and true to my roots. I believe it will bring energy, celebration, and a sense of unity, inviting fans to connect with the music on a deeper level, no matter where they’re from.
ACHIEVEMENTS & EVOLUTION
The viral moment during Usher’s Tiny Desk concert opened new doors for you. How has that visibility shaped your career and your aspirations as an artist?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: Being part of Usher’s Tiny Desk concert was a huge honor, and seeing it become the number one voted performance was truly a blessing. This experience has greatly influenced my career and aspirations. It has pushed me to be more intentional with my music, focusing on delivering not just great songs, but also positive vibes, energy, and authenticity to my supporters around the world. It’s all about creating music that resonates and connects on a deeper level.
Throughout your journey, you’ve worked with icons like Usher, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. What’s one key lesson you’ve learned from these collaborations that you apply to your own work?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: Working with icons like Usher, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo, I’ve learned the importance of writing songs that resonate with the culture and fill a gap in the music scene. It’s about creating songs that people can relate to in their everyday lives—songs that make them think, “I need to hear that again”. When you craft music that connects on that level, it goes beyond just studio work. It has lasting impact and replay value, making listeners want to play it over and over. You even have to think of a title that means something and rings a bell to the listeners.
LOOKING AHEAD
What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to stay true to their sound while also breaking new ground?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: My advice to emerging artists is to prioritize both your artistry and your business knowledge. Stay true to your sound, but also educate yourself about the music industry, understand the importance of owning your publishing, masters, and maintaining independence. While the music itself is crucial, knowing the business side is just as important. It’s about balancing your creative vision with the practical knowledge that ensures you have control over your career in the long run.
Finally, what’s next for you after the album drops?
[ERIC BELLINGER]: After the album drops, I’m kicking off my “Around The World Tour” in the US on January 31st, with tickets now available. I’ve also got a movie dropping on Valentine’s Day and a documentary set to release on March 27th. It’s amazing to finally share everything we’ve been working on for the past three years. I’m excited to see how the fans receive it and how it connects with them. The documentary will give you a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process, so you can understand why I do things the way I do. It’s all coming together, and I can’t wait for people to experience it. I also have plans to return to the motherland Jan 2025 – stay tuned!
Eric Bellinger’s It’ll All Make Sense Later is officially out on all DSPs today! Be sure to listen and experience the evolution of his music for yourself.
Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied
NOTE: This interview happened before the album dropped.
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