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MC Industry’s Next: Emerging Music Star Eriq Is Carving a Music Genre of His Own, Afro-Opium

On the latest issue of MC Industry's Next, music artist Eriq discusses carving music genres of his own, his collaboration with esteemed producer London, and staying true to his sound despite the pressure to switch to other popular sounds.
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MC Industry’s Next:  Emerging Music Star Eriq Is Carving a Music Genre of His Own, Afro-Opium

Since the advent of 2023, a multitude of promising musical artists have emerged, captivating listeners with their exceptional talents and curating playlists that showcase musical gems. In the genres of R&B and Afrobeats, these musicians have fearlessly disrupted the traditional norms, skillfully transporting their audiences to vibrant soundscapes reminiscent of earlier eras. Concurrently, other artists have embarked on transformative journeys, breathing fresh life into hip-hop and rap, elevating them into increasingly inventive, enthralling, and undeniably contemporary art forms.

While this year has already established itself as a treasure trove of groundbreaking talent, an undeniable void remains—an insatiable hunger for uncharted artistry. It is within this realm of longing that artists like Eriq, the pseudonym of a Nigerian trap virtuoso, seamlessly fill the gaps, satisfying desires that even devoted trap enthusiasts were unaware of possessing. Through his debut single, “Bad Man,” Eriq concocts a mesmerizing blend of sounds, masterfully meeting the cravings of trap music aficionados in unexpected ways.

With multiple projects already in his repertoire, Eriq has recently added to his catalogue with the release of his latest offering, aptly titled Euphoric Rhapsody. Brimming with euphoric melodies and irresistibly captivating beats, this three-track project guarantees an unparalleled sonic odyssey that perfectly showcases Eriq’s distinctive style and extraordinary command of trap-induced musical prowess. The release of Euphoric Rhapsody solidifies Eriq’s position as a dominant force in the music industry, highlighting his remarkable blend of captivating vocals, poignant lyrics, and groundbreaking production. Despite its brevity, this project distinguishes him as an emerging talent worthy of close attention.

In this issue of MC Industry’s Next, Eriq chats with Modaculture about the creation of his new project, his creative process, his journey since the release of his debut single, and his aspirations.

MC Industry’s Next:  Emerging Music Star Eriq Is Carving a Music Genre of His Own, Afro-Opium

What inspired your latest album, Euphoric Rhapsody?

Euphoric Rhapsody draws inspiration from my personal experiences and my desire to create music that transports listeners to a place of happiness and excitement. I wanted to make something that would sweep people off their feet, and I feel like I’m achieving that with this album. For me, it represents the freedom of expression I have now and my ability to create anything I want. I’m genuinely excited about this project.

The opening track, “Super Power,” is known for its invigorating energy and empowering lyrics. Can you tell us about the song’s message and its significance to you?

“Superpower” is an energetic song that represents self-expression for me. I wanted to share the confidence and emotions I felt while creating it. The message is all about inspiring people to find their inner strength and have confidence in everything they do. It’s a song that holds a special place for me, and it’s one of my favourites on the album.

“Smash Off” showcases a venture into introspection and self-expression. Can you provide insights into the creative process behind this track and how it differentiates from your previous work?

Over time, my music has evolved both sonically and emotionally. It has become more modern, energetic, and reflective of my personal growth as an artist. I’m now more confident in expressing myself and experimenting with new sounds, pushing the boundaries to connect with a broader range of listeners. “Smash Off” was my way of sharing my real experiences and allowing my friends and fans to get to know me better.

The final track of your album, “Rocket,” features a collaboration with esteemed producer London. How did this transformative collaboration come about, and what was your experience like working together on this particular journey?

Working with London on “Rocket” was an incredible experience. We actually knew each other from a few years ago, and we used to have occasional conversations. When I dropped my project, “Rockstar Never Die,” I reached out to him for help with promoting a show I had coming up. Unfortunately, he missed my message, but he got back to me later and said he had some ideas. He sent me a couple of beats, and when I heard the first one, “Rocket,” I instantly connected with its energy. The next day, I recorded the song, and it just flowed naturally. That’s how “Rocket” came to be, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

Since your explosive debut single, “Bad Man,” in 2019, you have garnered significant momentum and recognition in the music industry. How has your journey unfolded thus far?

Well, it’s been… I would say it’s been tough. It’s been a bit crazy, you know? In everything you do, there are numerous obstacles and countless options, and I feel like I’ve been pushing through all of it. It’s not that I can’t create art or music outside of hip-hop or trap; it’s just that I don’t put it out there because I want to focus on what I love and what I’m passionate about.

I don’t want to change my sound to fit what people want, especially when there are already so many mediocre musicians out there. If someone wants Afro music, they can go to other artists who specialize in that. I want to bring something different to Nigeria because I don’t think we have anyone who’s doing this style justice.

Eriq, Modaculture 2023

Your previous collaborative album, Stars, solidified your presence in the industry. How did this project shape your career, and what valuable lessons did you learn from collaborating with rapper JayPoppin?

JayPoppin and I have come a long way. The Stars album is truly the foundation of everything I’m doing. We were going through a lot of stress at the time and living together in the same house. So, we would make music every day, all the time. Whether it was in the house or somewhere else, we were always making music, playing games, and just enjoying ourselves. It became the backdrop of our lives and our journey in hip-hop music. I’ve known JayPoppin for a very long time, maybe ten years or more. And this wasn’t the first time we worked together. Back when we were in Benin, we collaborated on music as well. So, I have songs dating back to 2013 and 2014 with JayPoppin. It’s been an incredible journey.

Each new release of yours continues to captivate audiences. How would you characterize the progression of your sound from the EP Coldest to Euphoric Rhapsody? Were there any particular elements or experiments you explored in this latest project?

Nowadays, I try to create something that hasn’t been heard before. My sound is still different from the normal trap music in the US and UK. We have a unique flavour in Nigeria, and I strive to incorporate that into my music.

It’s like I’m carving out my genre, which I’m thinking of calling Afro-Opium and Afro-Rage. Over time, I’ve been making trap music with the influence of Nigeria, and it’s different from what’s being done in the US and UK.

Eriq, Modaculture, 2023

I’m starting to define my sound, and with time, people will recognize the difference and associate it with Eriq from Nigeria. I haven’t fully explored the new songs yet, but I have some tracks I’m going to release. They will help establish the direction I’m heading towards.

In your opinion, what sets Euphoric Rhapsody apart from your previous releases and other projects in the music industry? How does it exemplify your growth as an artist?

In terms of style, sound, and overall process, Euphoric Rhapsody is very different from my previous projects. I used to make calm and mellow music, but this album has a lot more energy. I incorporated electronic elements and dynamic arrangements to create a unique and intense experience.

Can you share any standout moments or challenges you encountered during the creation of the project? Is there a specific track that holds a special place in your heart?

One of the main challenges I faced was getting the sounds just right. As a Nigerian artist venturing into the hip-hop genre, I aimed to create something that would fit both the Nigerian scene and have an international appeal. That’s why I added the song “Rocket” to the album, as it has that Nigerian vibe but also a global sound. Overall, the process of making the music went smoothly, and I’m grateful for that.

As a rising talent, what are your aspirations for the future? Do you have any dream collaborations or goals in mind for your musical career?

Yeah, I feel like very soon I’m going to be selling out a lot of shows, so my immediate goal is to book more shows in the coming months, perhaps even in December.

Eriq, Modaculture 2023

As for collaborations, I haven’t settled on anyone specific yet, but I’m open to working with different artists. I believe in connecting with people and making friends in the industry, so I’m really open to collaborating with anyone. I don’t have a fixed mindset about who I will or won’t work with. I simply love music and enjoy creating it with others. 


Euphoric Rhapsody is available on all DSPs.

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