Hometown: Cincinnati
Why we love him: For his clear message: “Speak your mind in the face of adversity”
“I stutter sometimes when I talk, but not when I’m on this mic,” begins the last track on Eugenius’ new album, Satsui no hado. It unfolds like a retreat after the relentlessly passionate and chaotic first six songs, with operatics lifting the listener to a celestial plane. But when Eugenius’ vocals kick in and the truth begins to drop, it’s another quick-spoken sucker-punch to the gut like any of his tracks.
In his music, Eugenius doesn’t shy away from saying how he feels. “It’s Friday and I’m sober and they think that I’m strange,” he spits on “Sober Fight,” from his 22-track Bars Against Humanity, released last February.
But talking to Eugenius — known by friends and family as Phillip Eugene Smith — in person is a completely different experience. Off the stage, the Cincinnati rapper is a coy sweetheart.
“I’m fairly shy and self-conscious,” he says. “Eugenius has become almost an alter-ego. An outlet to be more assertive, direct and in-the-moment than other musical outlets or life allows.”
The name Eugenius comes from his middle name (and is not at all related to the Roman usurper Eugenius); he combined Eugene with genius. “I thought it sounded kinda rap-y,” he says.
Every step Eugenius has taken as an artist during the last five years has been educated and purposeful. He learned DIY production value from a previous project, an Indie/Soul outfit called Silent Tongues (which has since begun playing out again) and combined that with his lifelong love of Hip Hop to produce his own music as a rapper. He has been putting music online since 2012 and put out three self-released albums in 2016. By the end of 2016, arts and community magazine AFROPUNK was covering his new releases.
“There’s always the threat of a Eugenius album looming in the background,” he says. That’s the portrait of an artist who is constantly shifting, creating and, most importantly of all, taking us with him wherever he goes.
CityBeat: What aspects do you love about making music?
Eugenius: I love being able to create something from nothing. Taking something that just exists in your head and bringing it to life. Then using what you have created to be able to communicate with total strangers and bond with them in an immediate, universal way. Having a platform to express yourself as direct or as vague as you care to be.
CB: How do you define passion?
E: Something that is a part of your life no matter what; something that dominates your thoughts, alters your mood and controls your actions. It’s what drives you.
CB: What are you most passionate about?
E: Being as open and as honest as possible through my music and my interactions with people. Making music that is interesting and challenging. To try and be a better person than I was yesterday.
CB: It’s Friday night after a long week. Where would you love to be?
E: Some random venue, basement or living room surrounded by loved ones, watching and listening to friends making music. Looking at art. Eating ice cream. Maybe just sitting on the couch watching National Treasure.
CB: What do you love about Cincinnati?
E: How open-minded and diverse the music scene can be. Having a community that is receptive to lots of genres and (that) strives for inclusiveness of every race, gender and sexual orientation or religious belief is definitely a luxury.
CB: Name someone that inspires you and tell us why.
E: Robert Inhuman (Decide Today, Realicide). He’s definitely one of the pillars of the DIY community. He always brings people together and is an excellent example of the power of positivity and a reminder that music — and music scenes — can and should have substance behind them.
CB: What’s the best lesson life has taught you about love?
E: That just because you love someone or something doesn’t mean it will grow. It takes work, understanding and patience to bear fruit.
CB: What is a phrase or motto you live your life by?
E: Never take the same route twice.