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On September 9th of this year, Journeyman R&B artist Eric Benet released his 4th full length LP entitled 'Life and Love'. I recently caught up with Mr. Benet and we touched on a little of everything, ranging from his inspiration for the album to the blossoming talent of his daughter India.
Mr. Benet, first off I would like to say congratulations on the release of your latest album. It's actually a refreshing piece of work. It definitely has a different, more soulful and upbeat feel than most of the mainstream R&B these days.
EB: Thank you very much. I think this is definitely my best project to date. [The] reason being that this is the first time in my career I had complete creative control and it's a pure creative representation of me. And it's very flattering that you find that to be more soulful and upbeat...thank you.
The album wasn't what I expected which is good. You really had a nice mixture of sounds. The track that comes to mind is "Still I Believe". It starts off with a real nice funk feel to it… then it has a bridge which is very Latin and goes back to funk. Being from the west coast, I love that. What inspired your sound on this album?
EB: This album was such a pure creative representation of who I am. I grew up listening to so many different styles of music from soul, classical, to gospel, rock, funk, and R&B. Left to my own devices - my interpretation of R&B is going to have little unexpected layers of any [and] all of that.
A couple of my favorite tracks on the album are: "The Hunger" and "Love Patience and Time". What are your favorite tracks on the album?
EB: Glad you have favorites! For me picking a favorite song is like a parent picking a favorite child. They all mean so much to me, and are all important and meaningful in different ways. But, I will say that my favorite song to perform is "Chocolate Legs"
You sold more than 40,000 units your first week. It was the second highest first week of you personally. Are you happy with how you came out the gate?
EB: Yes, Yes, very, very happy especially considering the climate of music industry today - my first highest week was 10 yrs ago, so in 2008 to be able to sell 40,000 first week when unfortunately so many people are pirating and not buying music anymore, it feels especially good, thank you.
Okay, the Internet was buzzing last month over this video on YouTube where you and your daughter, India performed an impromptu duet of "You're the Only One". As a father I have to say it really was a nice thing to see.
EB: Oh wow, yes thanks so much my daughter has definitely inherited the musical gene, she is quite the arranger and performer in her own right… and with that beautiful voice. So, we are always sitting around the house and singing, driving wherever singing ,eating singing, etcetera so we decided to catch a little slice of that and put it online.
She's really good, and she's beautiful. Are you prepping her? Can we look forward to hearing more from her in the future?
EB: I certainly hope so. I don't know if I would say I am prepping her, but I will say I am encouraging her. My priority, and fortunately my daughter's priority also is her education. Aside from being beautiful and talented, she is also an honor roll student and I am especially proud of that. So, I will yes, encourage to pursue her dreams with music, but I will equally if not more encourage her to her to keep her education a priority
So, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask this next one. The Sex addict label which came out of your break up with Halle Berry, I read somewhere that you only accepted the label and counseling in effort to save your marriage. However, do you think that hurt your career at all?
EB: Uh well, I certainly don't think it helped (laughs) I am just especially happy that at this point in my life, that is all behind me and hence the title "Love & Life" I am experiencing both of those things to the fullest right now.
As a person who has been in similar shoes, I couldn't judge your so called 'mistake'. But, I myself learned a lot about life after going through it all. Did that situation give you any insight in the long run?
EB: I think every obstacle in life gives you insight if you keep your eyes, ears and your heart open you learn many lessons. One of the biggest lessons that I've learned over the years is to be honest with myself. A few years back I was the kind of person that if I was angry or afraid I would just brush it under the rug. I'm really learning how to be a lot more open with what I am feeling, good, bad or indifferent and I'm a lot happier because of it.
Okay, enough personal stuff. Let's switch to politics for just a second. I'm pretty sure you're like the rest of us in a sense, and following the election to an extent. Do you have any comments on this historical race for the presidency?
EB: I guess to me this feels like the most important election in history - I am very much a supporter of a candidate who has a clear vision for setting this country on a new path. A path which would benefit the working class and the middle class and a path that acknowledges them in ways that haven't been done in at least 8 years. I am very much supporting Barack Obama - and I strongly encourage everyone to please register to vote and let your voice be counted.
Where is Eric Benet in life? Is he content? Is he hungry for more? Is he just going with the flow?
EB: Eric Benet is very present, and is very grateful, and in a word… happy.
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This was a very polished interview. The Q&A was definitely on point. I, among many, love the essence of Mr. Benet's artistry. He has his moments of hard knocks just like the rest of us but his resilience is more reserved than most. He has this "go with flow" demeanor but I love it. Because, every time the man opens his mouth, the purity of his soul shines through and is evident in his every word.
Posted on Oct-12-2008, 10:42 AM