Drawing from the storytelling roots of hip hop and embracing a classic sound, Athens-born rapper Chris Elder has been making music under the name Eli Eternal for a decade. He’s been a regular performer at community events like the annual Hot Corner Festival despite a few starts and stops with projects over the years, but it’s all come together for a proper introduction with the EP Eli Eternal: The Experience, to be released Jan. 30.
Gravitating toward music as a source of peace, Elder has been immersed in hip hop his entire life. From birth, he’s overcome tremendous odds and carries a survivor mentality of not giving up and not letting life knock him down. Listening to 2Pac since he was in the womb, both 2Pac and Nipsey Hussle have had a big impact on Elder’s style and motivations. 2Pac provided the inspiration that no matter what you go through in life, you can still be somebody. He relates to Nipsey as a figure that was overlooked and unnoticed despite hard work but still pushed to create something bigger.
“This project means everything to me because of the journey I’ve had so far. You know, in my career, a lot of ups and downs and start all over and turn around. So this project represents going through every emotion that you’re going to go through, but still finding strength to make your dreams happen to accomplish what you’re trying to do,” says Elder. “I would want anybody listening to this project to be inspired and understand that whatever it is that they’re going through in the moment, they’re going to get past it.”
Although the eight-track EP The Experience is Elder’s first official release, he’s been in and out of studio’s recording music for quite some time, including the previous single “Fundamentals” that’s on all streaming platforms. The result is a collection of songs that flow well together and align with a purpose, something that Elder often brings up when speaking about his music.
“No matter what sound it is that you use, no matter how much you may try to keep up with the times, the reality of the truth is going to be the same. And I feel like the words that I say and the message that I give out, I just feel like it’s pure and it’s the truth,” says Elder.
There is a genuineness to Elder as a person and an artist, someone who’s not afraid to share vulnerable things about themself or portray themself authentically. The first two singles released from this project, “In The Presence Of God” and “Eternal Ride,” are heavily steeped in religious imagery and tones. But Elder says that it’s not him painting a persona; it’s just him being true to who he is with pure intentions. The message is meant to spread motivation to follow your dreams and be your best self, the spiritual side is just where he draws inspiration himself.
“What this project taught me was that you can be who you are. Connect with any group of people, and it’ll still be received the same way. You can take the same song and perform it in a club, and you take the same type of music and perform in a church. You can take the same type of music and perform it for people that’s not even religious, and it’s still received the same way because it’s just good music, you know,” says Elder. “It’s not me trying to force somebody to see things the way I see it. It just comes off like somebody with a story that been through some things.”
Back in the beginning of December, Elder released a music video to the single “In The Presence Of God.” There’s an emphasis on the stark contrast between black and white color schemes, with a final pop of color at the end as Elder looks through a book about 2Pac he’s holding earlier in the video. Elder says it was his first time filming an idea, but it came out exactly as envisioned. Even in this process, motivation and inspiration is always at the forefront of his mind.
“When you actually really do it, you realize how easy it is,” says Elder. “So the experience taught me that. Don’t overthink it. If it’s an idea that you got and if it’s something that you want to do, just do it.”
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