ERIC BELLINGER

Performer in “The Black Pack: We Three Kings”

In The CW special “The Black Pack: We Three Kinds,” Eric Bellinger stars alongside acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs and with GRAMMY® Award winning singer/songwriter NE-YO. This special is a tip of the hat to the enduring talent of the Rat Pack while remaining modern and full of joy. “The Black Pack: We Three Kings” celebrates excellence and camaraderie through varied musical performances and lighthearted repartee while inviting audiences to snuggle close to those they love, laugh and sing along with classic music.

“It’s time to shine on the world,” declares Grammy-winning R&B artist Eric Bellinger. Throughout the pandemic, the acclaimed singer-songwriter upheld his tradition of relentlessly releasing high-quality music. Bellinger settled into his newly finished studio and treated fans to over eight projects, even inviting them to join the process virtually.

Years in the making, Bellinger cemented himself as a leader. With this awakening, the DIY veteran has reframed his approach and raised the stakes. Down to its title, August’s “New Light” represents the next chapter in his career and how he wishes to be perceived.

Bellinger’s journey began just miles from where he comfortably resides today, albeit in another world entirely. Growing up in Compton, Bellinger’s two outlets were music and football. His grandfather is Jackson 5 hit songwriter Bobby Day. Bellinger followed in those footsteps when he chose music over an athletic scholarship and went to work as a performer. Bellinger’s pen soon proved to be as powerful as his voice. He won a Grammy Award® for writing multiple 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 seek Bellinger’s writing. However, his dream was not to remain behind the scenes. In 2014, he commanded the spotlight with “I Don’t Want Her.” The G-Funk collaboration with Problem reached #22 on the digital charts and cultivated an international fan base for him. After more than a decade in the major-label system, Bellinger favored ownership and creative control. He and his best friend Nieman Johnson formed the label, YFS (Your Favorite Song). The risk paid off as the EMPIRE-distributed indie competed at the highest level.

2016’s campaign album “Eric B. For President” yielded two gold singles, “Drive By” and “GOAT.” For the last five years, Bellinger has continually leveled up without compromise. “New Light” affirms leadership. Lead single “Shine On The World” finds Bellinger giving himself the motivational pep-talk to break through ceilings. “You are one of one; if it was us against the world, I know that we’d stand a chance,” he sings, applying it to relationships and the industry.

Along with Chris Brown and Usher, Bellinger is spending time in the studio with Diddy. He has applied Puff’s work ethic and pursuit of perfection. In making “New Light,” Bellinger also embraced revision and experimentation. “Only Fan” is a contemporary ballad unlike any other, written from the perspective of an admirer telling a woman that he requires a private audience. Fortune favors the bold. With the growth, Bellinger and Johnson have expanded their team for “New Light,” from creative directors and top engineers to big-budget videos. Art is imitating life as Eric Bellinger manifests his destiny.

November 2021