Kolawole Omoboriowo, popularly known as Scoop, is a renowned music and PR expert who has built a reputation for bridging the gap between Nigerian music stars and global artists. As the founder of Scoop Universal, he has created a unique platform where innovation thrives and collaborations flourish. Recently, Scoop played a key role as the A&R on Eric Bellinger’s latest album, It’ll Make Sense Later. In an interview, he shared insights into his contributions, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to shape the project.
When asked about the decision to feature Burna Boy, Taves, Reekado Banks, Gyakie, and Oxlade on the album, Scoop explained that it was a deliberate effort to align the energy and sound of each artist with Eric Bellinger’s vision. According to him, “Eric is an R&B singer with versatile creativity. Understanding his drive and vision for the project helped me select artists who would amplify its essence. I’m glad he loved the lineup I put together.” The album is a testament to how strategic collaborations can elevate music to new heights.
Scoop revealed that his vision for the album stemmed from the title itself, It’ll Make Sense Later. It provided him with a framework to identify artists who could effectively interpret the emotional depth and thematic essence of each track. He noted, “The title gave me clarity on the sound direction. Pairing the right artists to fit that vision wasn’t as challenging as it might seem, especially with the level of talent we worked with.”
One of the significant challenges was balancing Afrobeat influences with Eric Bellinger’s signature R&B style. Scoop detailed the careful process of selecting tracks that would resonate with both audiences. “We sent several options to Eric and his team, and the final selection reflects Eric’s respect for the featured artists and their craft,” he said. This seamless integration of Afrobeat and R&B ensures the album appeals to a global audience while staying true to its roots.
As an A&R, Scoop was deeply involved in the song selection process. He proudly stated, “I did about 60 percent of the track selection, including the featured artists. Every track on this album is strong and special, much like the song Special. Each one contributes something unique to the overall narrative.” His expertise in identifying standout tracks helped shape the album into a cohesive masterpiece.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Working on a project of this magnitude, particularly with international collaborations, presented logistical and creative hurdles. Scoop acknowledged this, saying, “Challenges are inevitable when handling a big project like this, especially involving third parties. But my credibility allowed me to manage the process effectively, and here we are.” His ability to navigate these complexities underscores his professionalism and dedication.
Scoop’s role extended beyond artist selection; he also played a significant part in choosing producers and songwriters who could bring Eric Bellinger’s vision to life. He shared that his strategy was to work with only the best, leveraging his industry connections to assemble a top-tier team. “The sound we wanted to create dictated the choice of producers. My position in the industry made it easier to access the best talents,” he explained.
In addition to his work as an A&R, Scoop contributed to the album’s marketing, particularly in Nigeria. He explained how he helped position the project to appeal to both U.S. R&B fans and the global Afrobeat audience. “I wasn’t just the A&R; I was also instrumental in the Nigerian marketing strategy. It was important to ensure the album reached its full potential across markets,” he said. His dual role highlights the multifaceted nature of his involvement.
When it came to shaping the album’s emotional arc, Scoop credited Eric Bellinger for setting the tone. “Eric named the album and shaped the narrative. My role was to support his vision and bring it to life,” he noted. Despite Eric’s extensive experience—having worked on over 40 albums—Scoop’s input was critical in ensuring the project achieved its goals.
Reflecting on the experience, Scoop described It’ll Make Sense Later as a special project that represents growth for both Eric Bellinger and himself. He remarked, “Eric is an A&R legend, and working with him was an honor. My contributions were about understanding his goals and being part of a team that made them a reality. Seeing all the sleepless nights pay off is a dream come true.” His pride in the album is evident, as is his commitment to pushing boundaries in an ever-evolving industry.
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