The ever elusive Sir Eddie C has resurfaced with a new hip-hop album called “Spaceship.” Where did he go? Why did he leave in the first place? No one knows. All that can be said is that when he reemerged, he brought six new songs displaying the lyrical range and creativity he developed while hiding away.
The Belleville native debuted his new music at the latest Sir Eddie C and Friends concert this weekend at Atomic by Jamo. Saturday’s show was the third installment. “With the Sir Eddie and friends show I get to look forward but also look backwards too,” Eddie said.
Sir Eddie C and Friends III opened with hip hop veteran Blvck Spvde. His set resembled poetry. The lyrics transcended from songs and entered into a world of performance art. His most powerful sentiment was “If you have love you have a community of belonging that comes with it”. This resonated with the audience, which felt like a crowd of friends thanks to a very familiar and laid back atmosphere.
Songstress AIDA ADA was up next. Backed by a talented band, her sound resembled the vocal stylings of Amy Winehouse. AIDA’s work as a therapist informs her music. Most of her songs include themes of mental health and are life stories with messages of hope. Her music is also inspirational in that it encourages others to lean into their gifts and talents, just as she has done.
The concert ended with a high energy set by Sir Eddie C himself – and an opportunity to share music from “Spaceship” with his fans.
His last project “Gelato” was released two years ago. It featured melodic songs which he describes as “a little too cute.” Though not his preferred style, this softer approach to rap granted him the opportunity to perform at the Saint Louis Art Museum three times, and at Music at the Intersection 2024. Even though he found success he believes, “Hip hop is at its best when it still has its edge.”
Each song on his new project gave him the opportunity to display just how his craft has elevated during his hiatus. “I haven’t put a song out that feels like ‘Let My Hair Down,’” Eddie said. “The R&B Eddie stuff was cute and funny, but I’m still a rapper.”
He wanted to use this concert to test run the new sound and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The largest crowd reaction came from his older music. “Groovy Pt. II got a really cool reaction,” Eddie said. “Because people who listened to me before the pandemic loved this song when they were trapped in the house.”
His new sound gives a blend of Smino and Andre 3000, but in a manner that is uniquely Sir Eddie C. He also unveiled a new look at Saturday’s show. Eddie’s red and white letterman jacket was still vintage, but far from the lively pastels he previously wore. His headlining set culminated with a performance of “Bounce II.” Featured artists KV the Writer, Zado, Jerri, Brock Seals, and Nikee Turbo joined him on stage for the finale and invited the audience to participate with a call and response. He’s done this at previous concerts, but the experience was amplified due to the larger crowd and bigger venue.
“It might start small,” Eddie said. “But as long as you execute your ideas at a high level, people will show up for you.”
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
