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He’s the “only one”
Eric Benet
drops his new
seductive album true to form it’s soothing but
also incites you to move and groove. He tells us
why he’s wearing shoes and how he’s showing us
who he truly is.
By Kamah Alicia
Scott
We were walking
down crowded Bourbon Street in New Orleans when
I noticed Mr. Benet, it was during the 2008
Essence Music Festival. He was cool, calm and
taking in the scenery. He spoke to everyone,
shook hands and was extremely down to earth. I
didn’t get the “I’m too good” vibe that some
celebs possess whether by accident or routine.
Eric Benet was regular; he was one of us
blending into the crowd, enjoying the events of
the day in N.O. Here we are a few months later
and I have been granted the opportunity to speak
with him. Despite having a previous engagement,
Mr. Benet took time out to do this interview,
for that I am grateful.
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A legion of loyal fans, Eric
Benet continues to make the type of music that
inspires his fans to close their eyes, sway, and
snap their fingers. In an instant, you can
recall a moment in your life that identifies
with the lyrics. Eric is making music for
lovers. He is one of those artists that
successfully maintain loyal fan base, but has
the drive that’s strong enough to get hold of
the new generation, who also appreciate his
sentimental crooning and seductively laced
lyrics. His music seems to envelope his
listeners and obliges them to rock, glide and
grind to his rhythm. |
His new Album entitled Love and
Life has hit the airwaves and proves that not
only does Mr. Benet have staying power; his
success proves that he is still relevant in this
diluted music business. Eric has maintained,
despite his highly publicized divorce from
actress Halle Berry. Grown into a new
relationship with a new leading woman, Manuela
Nelson; who herself had a highly publicized
divorce with musical legend Prince. Eric has
found the balance with his past and has forged
on. He continues to parent his beautiful
daughter India, manage his career and let us
into his heart, his life and his music.
Kamah Scott: You are so
free spirited, you walk around without shoes,
you do your own thing. I saw you in New Orleans,
I see you had shoes on when you were on Bourbon
Street in New Orleans.
Eric Benet: Come on, you think I’m crazy?
I’m not going to be walking around Bourbon
Street without shoes.
Kamah Scott: Yeah! Due to the partying
there was a lot on the ground that day.
Eric Benet: That was years ago, when I
did that no shoes thing. I’m wearing shoes,
especially on Bourbon Street.
Kamah Scott: I will say you are the same
as you were years ago in terms of being
personable with fans.
Eric Benet: I’m glad that you remember
that.
Kamah Scott: I know it’s hard when you
are seen in a different light in the media at
times. We realize that was the past, but do you
still worry about the coverage (how you were
viewed during the breakup of your marriage)?
Eric Benet: The poorest representation of
me. I try not to go back. I am moving forward. I
appreciate the kind remarks though. I am in a
god place right now.
Kamah Scott:
Your second album, “A day in the Life,” was the
one that propelled your career. Georgy Porgy,
you recorded that with Faith Evans. Do you feel
that your new single from your Album Love and
Life “You’re’ the Only One” will recapture the
true essence of Eric Benet?
Eric Benet: The music that I’m
making, shows how I feel, where I am in my life.
With Love and Life, this is the first time that
I’ve had complete control of a project. It’s
unique in my career to have so much creative
control.
Kamah Scott: The video for
your lead single off the Love and Life album,
“You’re The Only One,” seems very personal, its
not Hollywood, its more "real" as a viewer and
music lover it makes me feel like what you are
singing about on the track, that its possible to
grab that and have that kind of love.
Eric Benet: Thank you, I did the video in
Milwaukee.
Kamah Scott: How was it returning home to
Wisconsin?
Eric Benet: Milwaukee Wisconsin, it was
very emotional for me. It’s something that I
have always wanted to do.
Kamah Scott: You made the
people feel as if they were a part of you.
Eric Benet: So many people were uplifted.
They hugged me, and it felt good. I mean the
city is a dilapidated economic skeleton. It let
my people know that they can have hope and that
people that make it come back.
Kamah Scott: What touched
me about that is that you don’t act as if you
are too good. There are no anonymous acts. You
show up and are a part of them. I loved it.
Eric Benet: Thank you. I try to remain
the same. It’s a part of me. That’s who I am.
Kamah Scott: Has anyone
ever gotten too close for comfort?
Eric Benet: That hasn’t happened yet.
Kamah Scott: you have kept
phone updates, a video blog and all types of
cool things on your web. You seem to give more
than that average celeb.
Eric Benet: I love being in close
proximity to my fans. They are my people. It’s
so dope, how this technology thing is. I upload
stuff all the time. I let my people see who I
am, what I am, you know it’s just some good
sh*t. Oops! Sorry for that.
Kamah Scott:
It’s cool. I can tell you are really into it. I
wanted to ask you about the single Chocolate
Legs it’s a very sexy song. Its borderline
freaky. Are you describing a committed
relationship or a casual encounter?
Eric Benet: The song Chocolate Legs is
very sexy. It deals with the economy, how unsure
life can be, finances, whatever. At the end of
the workday, you want to be able to go home and
be sure of the person that you are with. You
want that person to wrap themselves around you
and recharge you.
Kamah Scott:
Yes indeed. Did the song come from a personal
experience?
Eric Benet: It’s a committed relationship
with unlimited access to the one you love.
Kamah Scott: Unlimited
access?
Eric Benet: You know what I mean.
Kamah Scott: I do
Eric Benet: You want to be validated,
loved and have that person love every aspect of
you. I love exploring the person I love.
Kamah Scott: Speaking of
new love, the rumors are swirling that you have
a new woman in your life.
Eric Benet: Yes, I do and I explore
(laughs). I have been in-between relationships
but when I’m in love, I do love hard. You have
to be attached to love and you truly can’t
compare it to anything else you’ve been in.
Kamah Scott: Are there any books
in the works? Are we going to get an Eric Benet
Tell all?
Eric Benet: You won’t get that from me. If it’s
written, I won’t be the one to write it.
Kamah Scott: What about
helping men keep their women. You know you have
that appeal, and women love you. You’re not
going to give the fella’s any pointers?
Eric Benet: They can get that from the
album. I love new and interesting ways to keep
my woman interested. It’s in the album.
Eric Benet:
I did some guests appearances in the past but my
love is music. I did write a screenplay.
Kamah Scott: You are shopping it right
now?
Eric Benet: Yes. I’m not counting any
movies or television out if the right role comes
about. For real, I’m really focused on my music.
That’s my passion.
Kamah Scott: What’s your
favorite song from the album?
Eric Benet: It sounds cliché but
seriously, I don’t have a favorite song. They’re
all like my babies.
Kamah Scott: Are you anticipating any
particular city on your tour?
Eric Benet: I love every city that I
visit. I did the House of Blues in Chicago and
it was on fire. I mean they truly embraced me;
it was as if I never left. The crowd’s
participation was amazing. I view each city like
a new adventure. I love them all.
Kamah Scott: Just like each song. You
love them all.
Eric Benet: Each show has its own
personality, which set the mood.
Kamah Scott: What message do you leave
with your fans besides checking out your tour
schedule and updates on
www.EricBenet.net
and of course picking up the new Album which I
personally love.
Eric Benet: Love without limitations.
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