Eugene IV is an accomplished musician, actor and performing artist who's passion for music is evident in his debut release, "Starving Artist". "Starving Artist" is a jazzy hip-hop album that offers a positive message.

If you're like me and are fed up with the bling mentality that hip-hop has taken on and want to just get back to the basics, then check out "Starving Artist". This album has meaning and is saying something. Julie Dexter, Mausiki Scales and Kari Simmons are among the stellar cast members that play a role in making this album a hip-hop classic.

I spoke with Eugene IV about his debut release and what he feels his responsibility is in holding up this wonderful art form we call hip-hop. I'm pleased to share this conversation with all of you and I hope you take the time to read it. Also, make sure you check out Eugene's website by clicking on the link at the bottom. Be well! "Support Independent Music"

Lady Metroya Antoinette: “Starving Artist” is the name of your new release. Explain why you chose this title

Eugene IV: Well, it’s kind of a double meaning. The literal meaning has to do with the three-plus years journey of recording & releasing the album. I had to make a lot of material sacrifices in order to be in position to see it manifest. Then there’s the principle-based meaning for the title. It speaks of my hunger for justice & righteousness.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: You are an MC as well as a musician. Tell me a little bit about the instrument(s) you play as well as a little bit about your musical background.

Eugene IV: Well, as far as musicianship, I’m primarily a saxophonist. I play a little flute & percussion but it all began with the sax. I’ve been playing since 5th grade & haven’t stopped since. I wasn’t in the marching band in college (big up to TSU!) but did play a lot around the city & was also a member of the TSU Showstoppers (showchoir).

Lady Metroya Antoinette: I notice that you are a product of Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, Inc. How has that experience influenced your musical journey?

Eugene IV: Man, they kindled my artistic fire. Through that experience I gained a great deal of self-esteem & confidence. I learned to let go & immerse myself in the work. Everything with YEA is “full-out.” I think that aggression plays itself out in my music & musical performances.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: You have some serious musicians as well as vocalist that you have collaborated with on this album. People like Khari Cabral Simmons, Takana Miyamoto, Mausiki Scales and Julie Dexter. Tell me a little bit about the creative process that went into building this album and how you connected with these artists.

Eugene IV: Wow, was I blessed to work with these cats. I’ve known them all for a while (from the ATL music scene) so it wasn’t like I approached them out of blue, introduced myself, and asked them to play on the album. It’s all about relationships. I can truly say they are all my friends first & foremost. It just felt right to have Khari as co-musical director. It has as much to do with who he is as a person as it does his talent. The same goes for everyone on the album. It made the process drama-free. We just kind of listened, suggested, & listened more. I learned a lot.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: You have a tune called “DEAR MC”. In which you challenge other MC’s to be more responsible about the messages they send out and that it’s not all about tours and crowd roars. As an MC do you feel that you have a responsibility to create music and lyrics with a positive message?

Eugene IV: Absolutely. I’d say, even more specifically, that is my responsibility as a man of God who happens to MC. I won’t spend the energy trying to quiet the MC’s spreading what I consider “poison.” I just do what I can to let listeners & consumers know that they don’t have to take what’s being shoved in their faces. If all I have is 4 minutes of someone’s life to say something, I want to make it count.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: I have had the pleasure of seeing your live show and it was fabulous. For those who have not seen you live, what is the Eugene IV live experience like? What should we expect?

Eugene IV: The Eugene IV experience is one of honesty. When I’m on stage, it feels like I’m in a room full of friends so I’d like to think I’m pretty candid. Musically, you get that soulful throwback horn-heavy sound with a healthy dose of Hip-Hop. Yeah, I sing a little too.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: Where can the cd be purchased? Do you have a website?

Eugene IV: It can be purchased at Moods Music (Little 5), Earwax, Sound Shop (West End Mall), & Tower. There are more listings as well as show updates on my website, which is www.eugeneiv.com.

Lady Metroya Antoinette: Do you have anything that you would like to share with the readers that we have not covered?

Eugene IV: Dare to fly.

Lady Metroya Antoinette
Hazel Eyez