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.
Sally Version )
Bilal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How quick, How quick the mind goes
Game meets game that's how the life goes
Stripped the boy out of his house coat
Higggggggh, high up in the sky
Cold as ice
Tell no lies
Sally, Sally
The lyrics to Bilal's song Sally (Version) speak to how quickly things can change and how life is a constant interplay of forces. Sally, in this case, symbolizes the unpredictable nature of life. The character is described as scanning the singer out of the condo, which implies a sense of scrutiny and examination. This action is then followed by the observation that the mind goes quick, further emphasizing the rapidity of change.
The singer then notes that "game meets game," which suggests a certain degree of competition or strategic maneuvering. Life is not always straightforward and often requires one to be on their toes. The line "stripped the boy out of his house coat" similarly signifies a shedding of something comfortable, perhaps indicating that change can be uncomfortable or even painful at times.
The repetition of "high" and "cold as ice" introduces a sense of tension and intensity. Sally seems to embody these qualities and the singer is left to grapple with the consequences. Overall, the lyrics to Sally (Version) encourage listeners to embrace life's unpredictability and stay agile in the face of change.
Line by Line Meaning
Sally scanned me right out the condo
Sally caught my attention as soon as I left the building
How quick, How quick the mind goes
My thoughts raced uncontrollably fast after seeing Sally
Game meets game that's how the life goes
Life is like a game, and we all have to play it to survive
Stripped the boy out of his house coat
Sally removed all my clothing, leaving me vulnerable
Higggggggh, high up in the sky
Being with Sally made me feel exhilarated and on top of the world
Cold as ice
Sally was emotionally detached and distant
Tell no lies
Sally was honest and straightforward with me
Sally, Sally
The name Sally represents the person who had a significant impact on me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILAL OLIVER, ANDRE YOUNG, RONALD SHANNON JACKSON, RICHARD L SERRELL, MICHAEL ELIZONDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JPConduct
2022🔥 Unleash that fire🔥🔥💯
@J1E2TS
Dre got me to buy etail price for the album and I'm still here on YouTube lol....needless to say it was worth it. 2019 and i am on one bumping this still.
@Deliz1
youre not the only one breh
@davedegarnaal
great track!
@bubsub4912
BILAL man
@situationofchaos
Good Music!!!
@bobbybobby9796
sally!
@whatsakingtoagod5583
Red Pill Music!!!
@adnoun1
i like this shit, dre is a genius
@yourdrug357
#IKnewEyesSquited
HandsOnMyWaist