Eugene IV
Atlanta, Georgia, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
"...the perfect amalgamation of hip-hop, jazz, and soul that good music lovers have desperately been waiting for. Eugene IV displays the type of versatility & effortless mobility that is only reserved for minds that project greatness." - Jamal Ahmad (91.9 WCLK, Atlanta)
"...far removed from the world of bling, drive by shootings, drug dealing, etc. Eugene doesn't avoid these issues, instead he discusses the need to move beyond them and he does so in an articulate fashion." - Bob Davis (Soul-Patrol)
“He’s a fireball on stage and a good band leader too.” - Richard Garner (Georgia Shakespeare)
“If soulful music only comes with maturity, Eugene IV received an early dose. In his latest album, Starving Artist, this young artist and producer combines gospel, rap and hip-hop and covers it with a thick layer of jazz. If you aren't impressed with his musical abilities on the sax, then his activist spirit will challenge you to think twice. Through his songs, Eugene IV uniquely portrays an inspirational preacher, a sweet lover and a champion for justice.” - Atira Henderson (Rolling Out)
“When I got the Starving Artist CD in the mail, I immediately put it in my car player. I was feeling the Vibes & Grooves from the first track on...Eugene IV is a very refreshing twist from the norm of today's music scene.” - Terry Bello (The Soul Lounge)
“Astound yourself into Eugene IV's world. His vocals are an urban combination of rap and soulful hip hop. His backup singers are jazzy, soulful and sweet. Lyrically this album is vigorous, true & speaks freely upon life's issues, responsibilities and deliverance. An upbeat range of drumming, tasteful guitar rhymes; bassie bass tunes and piano gives you a funky experience. Yet a range of sax and trumpet sounds give it a jazzy- blues feel. Mixed together in an album of style, I can definitely say Eugene IV knows how to talk the TALK and walk the WALK! This album has the right ammunition... RIGHT ON IT Eugene IV.” - Suzanne (Australia)
“...a musical journey through the rarely seen soul of hip hop.” - Jeff Johnson (Liquid Soul)
“...Eugene [IV] sings from the soul, and this shows raw quality talent...His lyrics feature no [explicit] wording, which proves the power of intelligence and making sense is something to be admired...” - Matthew Daniel (Just Soul)
“...Eugene IV showcases his IMMENSE talents on his solo debut “Starving Artist.” At first blush, you will take this to be Neosoul, but then Eugene...rips some hip-hop lyrics. Moreover, you are treated to jazz sounds as well as Gospel elements, all wrapped in a tight package. [Eugene] IV shows he's not afraid to approach the MC's "…spreadin' poison through these airwaves" on the very truthful 'Dear MC.' The hotness doesn't stop as [you] roll into 'Mama Was A Freedom Rider,' 'Write On' and the bangin' joint 'Get It.' I also felt a Curtis Mayfield type vibe on 'One Too,' both in spirit and content. Why this young man is a 'starving artist' is unconscionable.” - DJ Random (Earwax Records)
Discography
Album: "Starving Artist" (debut LP)...several songs in rotation on commercial, college & internet radio.
Compilations: 'Bloodshed (Jiva remix)' featured on Japan-release "Soul Com Bossa" & 'Get It' featured on Atlantis Music Conference's "The Independents"
Guest Appearances: Anthony David's "Acey Ducey" & "Red Clay Chronicles"...saxophone; Mausiki Scales & the Common Ground Collective's "The Water Brought Us"...saxophone; Slick & Rose's "Winter Spells: Vol. I"...saxophone; Venus 7's "Primer"...saxophone; Chrisitine Horn's "Walk With Me" & "Therapy"...saxophone; Jahi Kearse's "Memoirs of a BlueChild"...saxophone; Proverbalist's "Artillery"...vocals; The Hemisphere's "Performing Artz"...saxophone
Photos
Bio
Eugene IV, born and raised in southwest Atlanta, is a multi-talented vocalist, musician, songwriter, actor, and educator. He began playing sax at age 9 and has been writing rhymes since elementary school. From these humble beginnings Eugene IV has gone on to share stages with recording artists such as Algebra (Kedar Entertainment), Anthony David (Universal), India.Arie & even jazz legend Earl Klugh. While becoming known as the go-to saxophonist for innumerable studio sessions, he is often called upon to the wear the musical director hat for live shows with bands that cover everything from soul to house music.
Eugene IV is a former member of the hip-hop duo not-r-selz, often performing with Gotee recording artists GRITS and collaborators with Shawn J. Period (producer of songs for Mos Def, Beastie Boys, & the Lyricist Lounge compilation). The group had songs in heavy rotation on Spiritual Vibe {Atlanta’s Hot 97 (now Hot 107)}, and was featured on numerous albums, including several hip-hop compilations.
In the midst of earning his degree in Biology from Tennessee State University, Eugene IV was bitten by the acting bug. A year after graduation, he accepted the call to pursue his passion for the arts full-time. Since then, Eugene IV has performed in countless professional theatrical productions (A Raisin in the Sun, Romeo & Juliet, Ain’t Misbehavin’, etc.), commercials (Captain D's, GA Lotto, etc.), industrials (Walt Disney Tribute to Eartha Kitt), radio voiceovers, and various television programs (Mama Flora’s Family, Trumpet Awards, etc.).
Not only is Eugene IV passionate about his art, he is passionate about his community. He regularly works as a substitute teacher in schools throughout the Atlanta area and feels equally accountable to both his students and other potential audiences. Says Eugene IV about his music, “I feel a responsibility to positively affect the lives of the listeners.”
Starving Artist, his debut solo project and the first released by executive producers Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, has been described as a soulful hip-hop album combining the musicality of jazz and soul with the rhythms of hip-hop and the words of a poet. “My musical inspirations run the gamut from Public Enemy and De La Soul to Earth, Wind & Fire and Wayne Shorter,” says Eugene IV.
Starving Artist is made up of twelve original tracks that feature a powerhouse of musical talent including: a special appearance from Arrested Development’s Baba Oje; the vocal stylings of Julie Dexter; Atlanta-based musicians Takana Miyamoto, Khari Cabral Simmons (former India.Arie bassist); and MC Divinity (Beyonce bassist). Alex Lowe, who has also worked with artists such as OutKast and Sunny Emory, engineered the album.
Eugene IV is often asked what fueled a project with such a unique combination of explosive music and positive messages of empowerment, responsibility and redemption. His response: “I know, and have known since well before adulthood, that I've been called to make music that cries for social change. As the child of parents who were directly involved in the Civil Rights Movement, I feel it’s in my blood to, at the very least, speak out against injustice.”
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