Eric Bellinger is kicking off a summer of love with a new, intimate take on his critically acclaimed album, ‘The Rebirth 3’. The just-released acoustic version of the album showcases a beautiful contrast to the high-level modern production and dance-friendly tracks that have defined much of his recent work. VIPER caught up with him to talk the 10th anniversary of ‘The Rebirth’ and working with icons…
The Rebirth series is back – what’s special about this drop?
It is a celebration of who I am and my experiences. Basically the 10th anniversary of the start, so I wanted something big to celebrate my journey.
The Rebirth comes in two discs. What made you want to split the album?
You will see the first part is a reflection of the old, and the second one is all about the new. I wanted to celebrate the new whilst paying homage to my past.
This album features collabs with top writers like Ne-Yo. What was it like to work with a fellow music icon?
Simply incredible! Working with artists who I looked up to and sharing what bonds us was amazing. Ne-yo even had his verse finished before I started mine. That’s how dope he is.
You have openly spoken about the importance of your wife La’Myia in your life. Is she reflected in any of the songs from this new album?
Of course she is! I take creative inspiration from my experiences, and La’Myia is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. She is constantly reflected in my music, and a highlight from this album is ‘All for Me’.
Probably the most important question of this interview: how are you?
Blessed. I am blessed! Just did a World Tour selling out Lafayette in London. I am living my dream, surrounded by great people and simply doing what I have always aimed for. It sometimes is unbelievable for me.
You have used your mainstream platforms to raise awareness around mental health. As a Black man, how do you cope with challenging days?
I don’t allow myself to be a victim of my success. I have always dreamed about having this life, and now that I have it, I focus on enjoying it and go even further. Things can get hard at times, and I encourage everyone to ‘Just do it’ – that’s my motto. You can live your dream if you just focusing on making it happen.
Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
There is a lot of music coming! I went to South Africa to work on a bootcamp, and I am tapping on a lot of AfroBeats. There’s music coming with Davido, Adekunle Gold, Rotimi… it’s coming very soon!
Coinciding with the album release, Bellinger drops the video for the song ‘Writer’s Block’, which features a stripped-down acoustic performance.
The video presents Bellinger at his most vulnerable, accompanied only by a guitarist who also lends background vocals. The minimalist setup allows Bellinger’s soulful voice to shine, emphasising the emotional depth of the track. The lyrics of “Writer’s Block” speak to the transformative power of love, describing a perfect muse whose presence inspires endless creativity
As fans enjoy this acoustic journey, they are reminded of Bellinger’s ability to connect deeply with his audience through both high-energy tracks and stripped-down, soulful performances. This release is yet another testament to Bellinger’s dynamic range and enduring appeal in the R&B landscape.
