Back in 2001, Bilal released one of the best neo-soul debuts ever, (1st Born Second). His haunting, passionate, emotion-filled delivery and unearthly vocal range, combined with slick production from Dr. Dre (among others) and guest spots featuring the Soulquarians, 1st Born made a huge impact on me musically. I hadn’t heard such an album since discovering Nina Simone or Tom Waits some years earlier. Actual, real, solid, soul records with conviction are hard to find. The modern music world is encrusted with hollow lyrics and over-produced beats that form something totally devoid of conviction.
From the moment, For You starts, you know you’re in for something special. Bilal was a chance encounter for me. In 2001, I use to frequent a local Circuit City (of all places) because some friends worked there and usually recommended quality music. Well, I kept eyeing 1st Born Second, on the shelves when I would browse aimlessly looking for something to waste my minimum-wage on. One day I gave in and it is perhaps the best “chance” purchase I’ve ever made.
1st Born Second didn’t leave my steady rotation repertoire for years and I still listen to it frequently. It played an especially vital role when I met this girl, we’ll call her Miranda; I use to drive her all over the city because she didn’t have a car and recently moved here from another state. To say I had a crush on her would be an understatement. We had that “something special”, the magic that lies within all truly great relationships. The “X” factor or whatever you call it. Bilal was in my car player all the time because his words conveyed my every thought, better than I could ever express myself. Suffice to say, that didn’t work out and remains one of those “spill-your-guts, oops! non-mutual” type happenings, when I finally chose to express myself. I’ve never been great at making first moves, probably an insecurity issue, well, definitely an insecurity issue. Most of my past relationships involved playing that high school back-and-forth passive banter game. Like we both try to let the other know we’re into one another, but neither one of us has the guts to just be upfront and assertive. Like, just cutting all the bullshit and saying “look, I think I’m falling in love with you” followed by your heart sinking until those words are uttered. Receiving a negative response is like getting your balls stomped on (Warn can tell you about that, sorry) and all guys know that’s never fun. I’ve always been a self-proclaimed “sensitive little bitch” or just “SLB” for short. It’s alright, I’m just in touch with my feelings and I embrace that. Maybe more so than the average guy. I blatantly refuse to watch sports (except bowling or pool/billiards) and constantly lament on having nothing to talk about to the other guys at work. Most of my conversations with people revolve around music (or film). I can’t muster up the desire to actually watch sports. It’s simply not in me right now. Music has always had an extremely profound affect on me. I connect with others who are in the same boat and always will. To me, an individuals interests, (and taste in music) play a big part in my connection with them.
Anyway, I’m trailing a bit here. But my point is that (like many people) I associate certain time periods, girlfriends, life-changing events with specific music/songs/artists. The soundtrack of my life. Radiohead’s phenomenal release Kid A brings me back to rushing to the hospital after Bernie got in an awful car accident and no one knew how he was. I remember being utterly beside myself, at a loss for words. Thome York taught me how to Disappear Completely (and never be found). Bilal has always, and will always be rooted as the backbone of my soul/funk/neo-soul arsenal. From blasting “Reminisce” while cruising with Miranda, hoping she notices that I’m using Bilal to express myself, to collapsing in awe (at times) when I hear “Sorrow, Tears and Blood.” Bilal is nothing short of a musical god.
Fast-forward to 2006, Bilal completes his sophomore release, titled Love For Sale, which he doesn’t presently consider an actual release. This could be due to the discouragement he felt, inflicted by the idiots over at Universal, having “shelved the album indefinitely”, citing “we need a hit, this album doesn’t have a hit.” As secondary reasoning, they cited the albums widespread leak on the internet as a reason why it won’t get a proper release. Now, Bilal isn’t the type of guy who gets discouraged easily, or at least doesn’t admit it, or show any signs of slowing down. Myself, I can’t begin to fathom putting your “all”, truly everything you have, emotionally and/or physically into something, only to have it never officially be shared with the world. Especially over such a bullshit reason, the complicated bureaucracy of the music industry.
Now, this is one of the biggest music-related travesties I’ve had the displeasure of experiencing in my 26 years. Love For Sale is nothing short of a masterpiece. The level of musicianship, composition, funk, soul and artistic-value is unparalleled within it’s genre. It is a more cohesive and honest experience than 1st Born Second, utilizing more live instrumentation an ever-growing vocal prowess and ultimately more intimate feel. Bilal launched himself into another world with this release. Presently, there is a 2-disc Vinyl release being sold throughout Europe. I ordered a copy from New Zealand but can not comment on it’s authenticity because I have not received it yet. Apparently, it’s big on the black market to press vinyl from unreleased “bootlegged/leaked” albums and try to pass them off as legitimate pressings. I hope this isn’t the case here. I hope to one day purchase Love For Sale as it presently exists. It’s a shame we may never see that.
According to Wikipedia, Bilal is set to release a new album this year, titled Air Tight’s Revenge and I’m going to keep my fingers crossed.
If the above sounds like something you can relate to and you haven’t heard Bilal, well, what are you waiting for?
Here is a track off Love For Sale titled Something To Hold On To.
01-something-to-hold-on-to
Enjoy!
Wow, it is best to have a sample music of him.
It was a good reading, even though I don’t understand everything (not an native english speaker)
Affects and personal experiences, that’s crucial I think, it’s something you can’t seperate frome music.
Well, Bilal is one of my favorite (if not my favorite) singer, for many reason, and I really loved the frist 2 albums, I think the second one could have been gold, its strange how he always get leaked. 1st born second has been leaked too, but they still released it.
Concerning the new material, it seems that he’s playing new songs (I’ve heard one of them, sounds good) and that he expects to drop it in the second quarter of this year, lets wait and cross our finger.
Thank you for your comment CA, I appreciate it.
I’m glad others find Bilal special and I am keeping my fingers crossed for that new release.
Best wishes and thank you for reading.
I loved this article. 1st Born Second-I don’t even know what to say. Much like you that album represents a huge chunk of my life. Even now. “Sometimes” was my song. I could relate to that song on so many levels. I was able to get a copy of Love-For Sale. It is absolutely amazing and always in the rotation of my cd player. This cd is identified with the last four years of my life. “Something To Hold On To” is a love song like no other and my boyfriend and I immediately deemed it our song. His music is so real-it really does come from the depths of his soul. By absolute chance I came across your article. I haven’t read anything as great as this and shows such great appreciation for the artist, Bilal. Beautifully written. It felt good to know that the passion for his music is still out there and it’s not just me! I too will keep my fingers crossed!! Much love –Jas
Thank you so much for your comment Jaslyn.
I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog and thankful that you can relate to the unprecedented and often over-looked greatness that is Bilal. Especially on a personal level.
I really wanted to write something that I hoped does him justice and perhaps someone might check out his music because of it. There is an utter lack of Bilal articles on the internet and that needs to change. Bilal’s passion haunts my soul. If I could sing like him, I’d never shut up! hahaha.
Did you purchase the vinyl release of Love For Sale as well?
It needs to get an official release but unfortunately I believe the possibility of that happening is long gone.
Thank you for sharing your experience of Bilal with me. I’m glad there are others out there who feel as strongly as I do.
Much respect,
Joe
Joe Tower! Thank-you for providing a forum for this issue. And, it is an issue. How could the music industry allow such a phenomenal talent slip off the radar? I do not know if there is even one album that has been released since Bilal’s 1st Born Second that matches its genius and complexity. It has been 8 years since its release and it is still fresh and relevant. I am prayerful for his return and it would be lovely if some of his more radio rotated comrades would press the industry for his return. So far, I only hear him as an occasional backdrop for a Common track. And, yes, Love for Sale is quite the masterpiece.
Wow is all I can say I’m so glad to know im not crazy for lovin this mans gift as much as I do. I literally stayed up 24 hours tryin to get a copy of LOVE FOR SALE and I got it and have seen him perform several times which didn’t help because no show is eva the same and I leave wantin more instead of feelin satisfied. I have also heard about new music and not just the mix tape he has been sellin at his shows which is nice as well. So lets hope he knows how much his true fans need more of his genius.
Thank you kindly, JazzJune and Yolanda. I appreciate your comments very much!
Jazzjune, I’m glad we agree on how gifted Bilal truly is. I can’t properly express how great he is.
Yolanda, haha, yeah you’re not crazy. That’s crazy, what format did you get Love For Sale on? I thought it was only available on vinyl.
I have not, yet, had the pleasure of seeing him perform live, which I need to correct. I think it’s been some time since he’s come to Minneapolis.
I haven’t heard anything about that mixtape…is it called “King of Insanity”?
I definitely need to find that.
Thanks again for your comments and shared admiration of Bilal Oliver.
I have seen Bilal many times at private concerts and have bumped into him several times in Philly, and I have to admit that he is one of/ if not the best singer I have ever heard. His range is phenomenal. I have a copy of the Love 4 Sale album and it is probably the best album I own. He will never receive the credit he deserves because of these mainstream artists but I think as long as we support our artists he’ll do fine. If anyone has any new music besides the love for sale album or his featured material please hit me at jbking316@aol.com I hope the new album Air Tight’s Revenge is not BS and really does drop.
Awesome writing. Bilal is extremely talented and deep, its music thats meant to be digested…and I think thats why he never really made big sales. Soul music in general is the worst its been…ever. People are so used to instant gratification and not actually LISTENING to the music, its like people dont have time and dont want to be bothered with actual feelings and emotions…wich are complex by nature. Its sad, homey.
I believe that Bilal is one the greatest vocalists out there, and as a sound engineer I simply can not cannot get enough of his vocal layering. Ubelievable talent, raw emotion like no other, Bilal I wanna finally work with you, just sitting in your studio would be a dream. Been scouting your material (e.g. M.I.LF on 88-Keys album), just heard and GOTTA believe that your are coming through to little old South Africa. Think I’m going crazy, gotta work on your concert if possible! And I agree that Bilal often says what we are often too afraid to say.
Joe Thanks for the reply sorry I hadn’t given a response to the questions. I’ve since seen Bilal in concert yet again in Chicago It was great. The mix tape at his shows is called The Return of Mr. Wonderful It has 25 songs The majority being collaborations there is also King of Insanity it’s nice as well heard it on Imeem I put a few of the songs from the mix I have on Imeem as well . He is releasing a new cd this year he said it will be called Air Tight’s Revenge. I read a blog in my search for Love For Sale and the author gave the link to download the album I want to say Zshare but I dont think that’s it. I’ve read several people have downloaded it from a few sites so I hope it won’t be hard to find if you don’t have it already. Lastly there is a couple of links someone was so kind to give on his facebook fan page to some interviews he did and of course YouTube. Bye for Now!!!
Hey thank you Yolanda, I appreciate the response!
I was able to find The Return Of Mr. Wonderful and it’s definitely a nice compilation.
I can’t wait for Air Tight’s Revenge.
Thanks again!
So I was on my monthly search for the status of Air Tight’s Revenge… and found this. I just wanted to link you to a live Youtube performance of a brand new song that Bilal performed live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQlqqZBD38g
Awesome!
Thank you Samson. I really hope Air Tight’s Revenge gets released before the year is over.
Take care and thanks for reading,
Joe
THIS MAN AND HIS WORK NEED TO RESURFACE! UGH! OH HOW I LONG FOR THE REAL ARTISTS TO RETURN. I CANT WAIT FOR AIR TIGHT’S REVENGE TO DROP. I HOPE HE KNOWS HOW MUCH HE IS MISSED!
–ONE
yes, i feel you. BILAL is the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The live performance, don’t even get me started. I Love him, he speaks soul.
I’m real late to this post but man you nailed it… an excellent piece of writing too. Have you checked Bilal live yet? I’ve seen him three times (the second time he basically got me laid) and every time he gets better, I mean this literally. I only take issue with tagging him as Neo Soul. Soul is Soul and although his approach is lyrically and musically progressive, I’d say this is what Soul should be, reflective (in every way) of the times we’re living in and so few are doing that right now. You’re checking out Me’shelle Ndegeocello’s new stuff too right? if not, do, I think you’ll dig it (the last 3 albums especially) see her live as well, she’s on tour right now. I think I’ll be reading here regularly from what I read in the above article it sounds like we have a lot in common. Sports are boring music is life.
Thank you Rasheed!
I appreciate the comment and compliments!
I have actually not seen Bilal live yet. I’ve missed him when he’s come through Minneapolis and don’t keep well enough tabs on where/when he’s performing. All I know is that he consistently performs in New York.
I totally see your viewpoint with the Neo Soul debate. Bilal is most definitely a soul artist, however he fits into the standard definition of a “Neo Soul” artist — much like D’Angelo and Badu. I really hate placing specific genres (genre whoring) on artists and merely referred to him as such for the benefit of the uninitiated. If someone looked up the definition of Neo Soul on wikipedia it perfectly describes Bilal’s music. Even down to the anti-mainstream mentality. It’s soul music for people who are passionate about the craft and hold a high respect for lyricism/instrumentation/conviction/creativity/etc.
Also, I am definitely feeling Ndegeocello’s Devil’s Halo. Great album for sure and honestly one of her best, most solid releases, to date. I typically find her albums hit and miss but always progressive, interesting and full of passion.
I’m really glad you enjoyed this post and you can relate to what I’m saying.
I’ll have to check out your site and leave a comment.
Thanks again Rasheed,
much respect,
Joe
Hey Joe, I wasn’t trying to take you to task about the neo soul tag, it’s hard to convey in the comments, I was just trying to make a statement on the sillyness of genre tags, which it looks like we agree upon anyway.
Hey Rasheed, yeah, don’t even worry about it.
We’re totally in agreement and I didn’t think you were taking me to task on the neo soul thing.
My friend put me on to Bilal. She’s the agent he doesn’t know he has. I just found Love for Sale this morning. I haven’t stopped listening to it since. I swear to Jesus and he can vouch for me, I went to lunch and I kept thinking back to my bedroom where I could listen to Bilal. His lyrics are compelling. As you said, he articulates what you’re feeling. I’ve been happily single for months and his songs made me want to be in love, he so completely described every aspect of the blissful push and pull of a relationship. His lyrics are vivid and his voice is so expressive. He displays true appreciation for our musical tradition. More so than afore mentioned Usher and T-Pain.
He’s the truth
peace, Bilal will be releasing his second album via Plug Research records in early 2010.
Sorry for discovering this article so late! It’s a great article, so believe me, I sincerely do apologize. Anyhow, before reading it, I had no clue that his new album was “shelved”. I’ve listen to so many of his new(obviously unreleased) songs on youtube and his official myspace page. My honest and non-biased opinion: it’s nothing short of BRILLIANT. The instrumentation, the constant play and mastery of variations in rhythm, the unfiltered rawness in the soulful vocals–GENIUS. He and D’Angelo are the only artists living that I feel can literally do every and anything they want to do with their voice. It seems as though there is no note that they can’t hit as well as no melody they can’t drive their singing right over and make it fit as perfect as yin to yang. Bilal’s song writing is also impeccable. Personally, “something to hold onto” seemed like such a predictable title to me, but after listening to it over a dozen times, I’ve drawn a handful of different interpretations. Even his timing is perfect. When to sing, when to pause, when to harmonize, when it’s gotta be delivered to you with passion and even how much of that dosage he prescribes at that particular time on that particular song. Universal is truly depriving the public of a modern marvel. I can’t express how much it kills me that a man that has learned to fly is being chained to the ground right now. I can’t help, but think to myself: what if D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” was never released? That was another soulful and innovative album that opened a lot of closed minds and gave a thousand 3-minute emotion-derived R & B pop artists a pale light over their faces in front of a sulky mirror. I have no doubt in my mind that “Love 4 Sale” would do just that. Force some artists(basically those who still give a shit about honing their craft) to create more mindfully and learn to feel again. As well as shake up a sleeping audience and be reminded of how much music can be beautiful reflection of humanity. Again, thanks for the article. I hope Bilal’s album sees the light of day and very soon.