Bilal is a very talented African American artist who’s musical tastes are a landscape of Hip-Hop, Poetry and Soul. Having worked with Erkyah Badu, Jill Scott and Common he is now a member of the collective ‘Soul Aquarians’, along with Badu, Mos Def, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Q- Tip, and D’Angelo. Bilal is considered the young member of the group, however his music is mature and sophisticated just like the other participates of the crew. Born Bilal Sayeed Oliver, his mother is a dedicated Christian and his father is an orthodox Muslim. He attended New York’s City’s Mannes Music Conservatory were he was classically trained. After this he was able to sing opera in several languages.

His varied musical vocabulary still didn’t escape the title as top ‘Neo Soul’ male artist, but his past and future collaborations only felt right to hail him that. He would soon feature on ‘Gurus - Jazzmatazz’, and ‘Commons - Like Water for Chocolate’ and ‘The 6th Sense’. This gave him great exposure for his soon to be released ‘1st Born Second’, which is in many people’s favourites new Soul lists, but still is very undiscovered. He gave a demo tape to Moyo Music and they were impressed, he then produced a few more songs until he had a more secure deal with Interscope. At the tender age of 21 year’s old, Bilal Oliver has accomplished a lot and his creativity is possessive. With high falsettos and expressive song writing, the album is to remain a firm land mark in many years ahead. He is a Jazz junkie with Hip-Hop fusions giving him the edge many lack. Having soaked up the musical sounds in his home, Brooklyn, Bilal can offer many surprises from Reggae to relaxing Drum and Bass. This out standing talent will surely be one to watch out for in the future.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

1. Intro
2. For You
3. Fast Lane
4. Reminisce
5. All That I Am (feat. Somethin for the People)
6. Sally
7. Sometimes
8. Love It
9. C'mere
10. Soul Sista
11. When Will You Call
12. Queen of Sanity
13. Love Poems
14. You Are
15. Home
16. Slyde
17. Second Child