The Untold Story of Eric Bellinger: Virality, Vulnerability, and the Real Business of Music

Founder's Story | IBH Media | Ep 288 | December 8, 2025
Guest: Eric Bellinger
Host: IBH Media

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the remarkable journey of R&B legend Eric Bellinger, unpacking his rise from humble beginnings and church choirs to penning hits for chart-topping artists and leading his own movement in the music business. Bellinger shares insights on virality versus meaningful connection, the impact of technology (including TikTok and AI), and the evolving economics of the music industry. He emphasizes resilience, humility, and authenticity—highlighting both the real struggles and the rich rewards of a life in music.

Key Discussion Points

1. Eric Bellinger’s Beginnings and Early Hustle

• Grounded in Faith & Ambition:
  "Eric Bellinger was always an ambitious man of faith... I believe that anything I put my mind to, you know, I could achieve it. So I was always walking with faith and victory even before the wins started rolling in." — Eric Bellinger (02:04)
• From Chuck E. Cheese to Answering Machines:
  • Started out singing on friends’ voicemail and answering machines.
  • Got discovered when an A&R for Babyface heard his voice on a friend's answering machine.
    "I actually got discovered because one of my friends... her godmother was an ANR for Babyface. So she was like, yo, who is that singing on your answering machine?... Sure enough, that's how I connected with my biggest supporter and believer." — Eric (03:03)

2. Virality vs Impact: The Myth and Reality of “Getting Seen”

• Don’t Chase Numbers—Chase The Right Listeners:
  • Modern artists obsess over going viral, but a single influential listener can change your life.
  • "It's not about how many people are watching, but it's about the right person watching." — Eric (04:17)

3. The Magic of the R&B Revival Tour

• Touring with Legends & Celebrating Nostalgia:
  • R&B is alive and thriving—Bellinger tours with icons like Jagged Edge and Lloyd.
  • Relishes the communal energy: "The energy in every room, every show, every night is sold out... It's just beautiful to celebrate R and B together in a communal way in 2025." — Eric (05:12)

4. Creating Hits—Behind the Mic and the Pen

• Dual Role: Songwriter and Frontman:
  • Joy in seeing others perform his tracks (e.g., Chris Brown), but treasures direct fan connections on his own tours.
  • "I get the best of both worlds because not only do I get to feel the love on the artist side, but I get to see the love on the songwriter side." — Eric (06:03)

5. The Power (and Pressure) of Technology

• TikTok’s Game-Changing Influence:
  • "I've seen the stat recently where it was like 70 to 80% of the songs that are the top charting songs on Billboard started off viral on TikTok." — Eric (08:20)
  • Social media is today's music discovery platform, surpassing legacy channels like MTV and BET.
• Embracing AI:
  • "No one is bigger than the program. So why not get involved? Why not see the ways you can use it as a tool?" — Eric (08:56)

6. Collaboration and Creativity with Iconic Artists

• Studio Magic Moments:
  • Chris Brown is highlighted as a fearless collaborator—sessions mix multiple influences.
  • "Everything that we were doing, we were trying something that we had all never heard... we did a song called Say It With Me and... Oh My Love the very next day. You go back and you listen to them now, and it's like, this is still something that I've never heard." — Eric (12:34)

7. Global Strategies—Making Music for the World

• Going International:
  • Recorded recent albums in South Africa; release party in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • "It's important to plant seeds in different territories so that you can be a global artist." — Eric (13:50)

8. Fame, Gratitude, and Giving Back

• Staying Grounded Amid Attention:
  • Gratitude for fans, personal moments (fan gifts, fan-designed merch), and real engagement.
  • "I look at it like you just have to keep a humble mindset, you know, in it all. Because the people are giving you so much gratification." — Eric (15:17)

9. The Evolving Business of Music

• Monetization Beyond Record Deals:
  • Direct releases mean monthly royalty checks.
  • Shows, brand deals, features, and merchandise are vital income streams.
  • "You can't look at it like it's going to pay you only from the streams or only from the publishing because there's so many different avenues and streams of income possible through music." — Eric (17:26)
• Collaboration and Networking as Multipliers:
  • Building partnerships, sharing audiences, cross-collaborating with brands and fellow artists is key.

10. Advice for the Next Generation

• Know Your Worth, Read Your Contracts:
  • "You just need to be aggressive with what you feel you're entitled to, and also be open to the reality of the truth... If someone is not aware of their contracts, not aware of what their percentages or ownership is, that's on them... Be relentless until you can find out." — Eric (19:50)
• Look Inward for Growth:
  • "It's up to me to get hot... instead of looking for someone to blame, always look for a crack in the system on your end... Look in the mirror first." — Eric (19:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lesson in Virality:
  "It's not about how many people are watching, but it's about the right person watching to help amplify your vision." — Eric (04:17)

• On Performing & Songwriting:
  "Seeing the vision on that scale... but to also be able to perform my songs... I'm able to look at the people that I've actually impacted." — Eric (06:03)

• On Music’s Global Reach:
  "If you think too regional, it's impossible for your music to go international... It's important to plant seeds in different territories." — Eric (13:50)

• On Fame & Fan Gratitude:
  "To touch the people that I've touched musically and for them to come back and give me that same energy and connection when we meet at the shows." — Eric (16:18)

• On Self-Reliance in the Industry:
  "It's up to me to get hot." — Eric (19:50)

Important Timestamps

• 02:04 — Eric’s background, faith, ambition
• 03:03 — Discovered singing on answering machines, Babyface connection
• 04:17 — Virality vs. meaningful impact
• 05:12 — R&B tour, nostalgia, crowd vibes
• 06:03 — Difference between songwriting and performing
• 08:20 — The influence of TikTok, technology in music
• 12:34 — Studio anecdotes, creative process with Chris Brown
• 13:50 — The importance of global and cross-cultural music strategies
• 15:17 — Reflecting on gratitude, authenticity, and humble fame
• 17:26 — Multiple, modern revenue streams for artists
• 19:50 — The paramount importance of knowing your contracts, self-accountability

Resources & Connect

• Instagram: @EricBellinger
• Website: ericbellinger.com
• All Wins Entertainment: For artist development, production, distribution, and more

Tone & Takeaway

Eric Bellinger’s story is one of resilience, strategic adaptation, and heartfelt humility. His candid take on the realities of music, viral culture, technology, and business offers a blueprint for artists aiming to craft both lasting art and long-term careers. His grounded advice—look inward for growth, never fear embracing new tools, and cherish real human connection—resonates for anyone chasing dreams in music and beyond.