Eli Manna, The God Complex, Music: few young artists attempt a project as ambitious as this one. The singer, rapper and songwriter set out to make an album that moves through ten distinct genres while telling a single life story.
Who Is Eli Manna?
Eli Manna was born Justin Elijah D’Anthony Reid on 16 March 2001. Born in Atlanta and raised in Conyers, Georgia, he grew up surrounded by Southern hospitality and spirituality, influences that shape his music today. As a young teenager he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, which became his base.
The eldest of five children of Jessica Lott and Reggie Reid, he showed a passion for music early on. He attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, and by around 15 he was performing at school events and local singing and arts competitions under the stage name “Justin Time”.
Developing His Craft
After his first album, Seasons of 12, he performed as “Justin Time, The Rookie”. Following his fourth album, Music IS Color, he adopted the name Eli Manna.
After high school, he trained his voice with vocal coach David Lee Brewer, known for working with Beyoncé early in her career. He also studied Music Business at New York University. Over the years he attracted interest from major labels including Def Jam, Atlantic Records and Motown, but chose to remain independent.
Inside “The God Complex”
the God Complex, scheduled for release on 10 October 2021, is his first studio-recorded album and stands out for covering ten different genres, from rap to classical and much in between.
The album is structured as a story. It begins at the start of Eli’s life and walks through his most significant memories in chronological order, with each song representing a different chapter. We heard an early copy, and despite the wide range of styles, the record holds together surprisingly well. Each track feels connected to the same mission, and part of the fun is guessing which genre each song is exploring.
Why It Stands Out
- A concept album built around one artist’s life story.
- Ten genres on one project, held together by consistent storytelling.
- Strong vocals backed by professional training.
For listeners who enjoy artists willing to take creative risks, The God Complex is worth a listen. Find more of his Music on SoundCloud.
