Eric Bellinger

"It's time to shine on the world," declares Grammy-winning R&B artist Eric Bellinger. Throughout theyear, the acclaimed singer-songwriter upheld his tradition of relentlessly releasing high-quality music.Eric settled into his newly-finishedstudio and treated fans to over eight projects, even inviting them tojoin the process virtually. Years in the making, Eric cemented himself as a leader. "Lately, my gift hasbeen putting me in bigger rooms," says Eric, who has been closely observing howDiddy and others treattheir craft. "I'm older and wiser now; I truly know my worth." With this awakening, the DIY veteran hasreframed his approach and raised the stakes. "There's still a bit of 'underrated' there when it comes toEric Bellinger; let's see if we can remove that." Down to its title, August's New Light represents the nextchapter in Eric's career and how he wishes to be perceived. Bellinger's journey began just miles fromwhere he comfortably resides today, albeit in another world entirely.Growing up in Compton, Eric's twooutlets were music and football. Eric's grandfather is Jackson 5 hit songwriter Bobby Day. Bellingerfollowed in those footsteps when he chose music over an athletic scholarship and went to work as aperformer. Eric's pensoon proved to be as powerful as his voice. He won a Grammy Award for writingmultiple songs on Chris Brown's F.A.M.E., strengthening a collaborative relationship ever since. Usher,Justin Bieber, and Brandy were just some of the many artists who also seekEric's writing. However, EricBellinger's dream was not to remain behind the scenes. In 2014, he commanded the spotlight with "IDon't Want Her." The G-Funk collaboration with Problem reached #22 on the digital charts andcultivated an international fan base for Eric. After more than a decade in the major-label system, Ericfavored ownership and creative control. He and his best friend Nieman Johnson formed a label, YFS(Your Favorite Song). "We've been on a trial-and-error mission from God, paving the wayforindependent R&B," Eric asserts. "There is no one that is doing what we did." The risk paid off as theEMPIRE-distributed indie competed at the highest level. 2016's campaign album Eric B. For Presidentyielded two gold singles, "Drive By" and "GOAT."For the last five years, Eric Bellinger has continuallyleveled up without compromise. New Light affirms leadership. Lead single "Shine On The World" findsEric giving himself the motivational pep-talk to break through ceilings. "You are one of one; if itwas usagainst the world, I know that we'd stand a chance," he sings, applying it to relationships and theindustry. "I've always felt like I was worthy. I felt like I had the talent and had what it takes to get the jobdone in any room that I set foot in," Bellinger shares. Those rooms are changing. Along with Chris Brownand Usher, Eric is spending time in the studio with Diddy. He has applied Puff's work ethic and pursuit ofperfection. Making New Light, Bellinger also embraced revision and experimentation. "Only Fan" is acontemporary ballad unlike any other, written from the perspective of an admirer telling a woman thathe requires a private audience. Fortune favors the bold. "Working to get here and working to stay hereare two totally different things," Eric admits. "I didn't know that till now." With the growth, Eric andNieman have expanded their team for New Light, from creative directors and top engineers to big-budget videos. "There's so much more out there; you can't settle," Eric says. The drive is a reflection ofpersonal growth for the proud husband and father. "I let go of the destination and tapped into thejourney a few years ago when I got into yoga and meditation. It made me unstoppable." Art is imitatinglife as Eric Bellinger manifestshis destiny.