Bilal's classical training at the Mannes Music Conservatory in New York was instrumental to his conversance with Jazz, voice, and big band arrangements. It has also been reported that he is capable of performing opera in seven languages and writes both music and lyrics.
In 1995, Bilal encountered Faulu Mtume, and his brother, Damu Mtume (sons to James Mtume and founders of Moyo Entertainment) at a barber's shop in Philadelphia. His plans to produce film scores was shelved after he handed the brothers a demo recording; they were so impressed that they successfully convinced him to record commercially.
Bilal has also frequently collaborated and performed with several neo-soul and alternative hip hop artists, including Common, Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, and The Roots. He also covered Radiohead's "High & Dry" for the 2006 Radiohead tribute, Exit Music: Songs With Radio Heads. Bilal appears in Dave Chappelle's Block Party.
His sophomore full-length recording, Love for Sale is rumored to have been shelved after being leaked on the internet. Despite no official release as of yet, Love for Sale has become an underground classic.
In 2010, Bilal released his sophomore album, Airtight's Revenge, 9 years after his debut album. The album was well-received, critics praised his lyrical substance and experimental sound.
Bilal is set to release his 3rd album, A Love Surreal, on February 26, 2013. Bilal explains that the album has a warmer, more acoustic sound compared to his previous works. He released a mixtape leading up to the release in late 2012 called Retrospective of the Man Called Bilal. 6 days after the mixtape was released, he took the wraps off his first single for A Love Surreal, "Back To Love". A video was released the next month. So far, reviews for A Love Surreal are positive, praising Bilal's natural singing talent and lyrics.
Love Poems
Bilal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Starting to ponder what we've been goin' through
What does my kiss mean to you?
Are we just friends, or is this more to you
But if we label this, just picture what we might lose
That unexpected kiss the whole feelin' that brought me to you
Meanwhile my feelings grooowww
But if we label this just picture what we might lose
That unexpected kiss that whole feelin that brought me to you
Why rush, why choose, why risk this thing, and ruin me and you
I want to love her and keep the friend, I want to be near you and not pretend
But if we label this just picture what we might lose
That unexpected kiss the whole feelin that brought me to you
The whole thing has got me searchin...
Bilal's Love Poems is a song that delves into the complexities of relationships between friends who have begun to develop romantic feelings. The opening lines of the song describe the two individuals as they simultaneously step form across the room, and start to ponder what they have been going through. This first verse sets a contemplative tone, as it poses questions about their relationship and what their actions may mean to one another. The singer of the song, who is not explicitly stated, questions whether a kiss means more than just friendship, and what that implies for their relationship.
The chorus contains the repeated refrain "Meanwhile my feelings grooowww", which expresses the singer's growing romantic feelings for the other person. However, they are hesitant to define their relationship, as doing so would come at a great risk. Labelling their relationship could lead to losing the unexpected, spontaneous moments that brought them together, such as the unexpected kiss. The singer is torn between wanting to pursue a romantic relationship with the other person, and maintaining their friendship as it currently stands, without risking it.
Overall, Love Poems is a song that explores the nuanced emotions that can arise when close friends begin to develop romantic feelings for one another. The song expresses the fear of losing what they have, while also acknowledging the desire to pursue a deeper, romantic connection.
Line by Line Meaning
As we step form across the room
As we approach each other from opposite ends of the room
Starting to ponder what we've been goin' through
Beginning to reflect on our experiences together
What does my kiss mean to you?
What is the significance of my kiss to you?
Are we just friends, or is this more to you
Is our relationship purely platonic or is there something deeper?
But if we label this, just picture what we might lose
If we define our relationship, we may risk losing the spontaneity and chemistry we have
That unexpected kiss the whole feelin' that brought me to you
The passion and excitement of that unexpected kiss is what drew me to you in the first place
Meanwhile my feelings grow
In the meantime, my feelings for you are getting stronger
Why rush, why choose, why risk this thing, and ruin me and you
Why rush to define our relationship and risk ruining what we have?
I want to love her and keep the friend, I want to be near you and not pretend
I want to maintain a balance between being your friend and being in love with you
But if we label this just picture what we might lose
If we define our relationship, we may risk losing the spontaneity and chemistry we have
That unexpected kiss the whole feelin that brought me to you
The passion and excitement of that unexpected kiss is what drew me to you in the first place
The whole thing has got me searchin...
All of this has left me searching for answers
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILAL OLIVER, AARON COMES, KEISHA WHATLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jae White
ย Bilal is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter his artistry to keep up with the industry, so he is not played on radio or promoted! ย "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
ย These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, ย Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
ย Janelle Monรกe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
ย Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
ย Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
ย Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegรฉocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
ย Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari, Maurissa Rose,
ย Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon, Gina Carey,
ย Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem, Kloud 9,
ย Vikter Duplaix, ย W. Ellington Felton, Alison Crockett,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA,
ย India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu,
ย Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
ย Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
ย Angie Stone, Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate, ReneeDion,
ย Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill, Nik West,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine,ย
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies, Res,
Tony! Toni! Tonรฉ!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhanรฉ, ย YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cรฉcile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will ย Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard, Jsoul, V (Valvin Roane),
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister, KING,
Eric Benรฉt, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, Green Tea, ย Jiva, ย Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote, Leon Timbo,
ย Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
ย Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneรก, Lauryn Hill, Bilal Salaam,
ย Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington, Reel People,
ย Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, ย Rotary Connection, Rogiรฉrs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midรณn, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena, Mycah Chevalier,
ย Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw, Shae Fiol, Lira, Morisha Danee,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE.... ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
"THE DEFINITION OF ย NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B. ย ๏ปฟ
The Lioness Lane
Damn, where was I when this brother hit the scene; under a rock?! I am grateful for discovery. Bilal, you have a new fan. Bless you Soul Brotha!
Nina
My mom and dad used to travel 75 from Decatur to Kennesaw with me in the back seat, playing this CD, and 16 years later, 16 years old.. here I am in love myself.
Ken Gordon
Bilalโs music is like a beautiful music soundtrack. Itโs timeless.
Michelle Jackson
This song gotta be over 15 years old and it still sounds as good as it did back then....GOOD MUSIC!!
Cedric Owens
This album is classic!
Lorenzo Baines
This song is in loving memory of my beloved sister, Euricka Baines, who demanded I buy this album. She LOVED this song. She loved Bilal and made me a believer too. I miss you much Baby Girl:-)
mbro66
May your Sister Eureka, Rest in Eternal Peace!๐๐พ
mbro66
Lorenzo Baines
Likewise Fam.๐๐พ
La' Morris Williams
Lorenzo Baines My condolences to you, and yours.
russell drakeford
So so sorry for your loss. Your sweet sister left you this song. You continue playing, and every time I play it, it's for your sister too. โค๏ธโ๏ธ& ๐'s my sister.....