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.
Satellites
Bilal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In another life
On the satellite
Watching the world
Watch people as they
Do what they do to people
So what did we do?
And how did this happen?
'cause it's not what I remember
When I left you from the other time
No, it's not what I remember
Should have never opened up your eyes
So what did we do?
And what can we do?
And how did this happen?
(Hoh) why the hell did I get you high?
I believe in this love
Why the hell did I let you?
Why the hell did I get you?
Just another day
On the satellite, time traveling
Watching the corrupt people
As they corrupt other people
So what did we do?
And what can we do?
And how did this happen?
Oh why the hell did I get you high?
I believe in this love
Why the hell did I let you?
Why the hell did I get you?
Oh
High
Just another day
In another life
On the satellite
Watching the world
Watch people as they
Do what they do to people...
Bilal's song "Satellites" is a melancholic reflection on our place in a world that seems to be spiraling towards chaos. The song's title evokes the image of an orbiting satellite, a technological wonder that affords us a unique perspective on our planet. Bilal sings about watching the world from this vantage point, observing as people "do what they do to people." The lyrics are tinged with regret and a sense of helplessness. Bilal wonders what we did wrong, and what we can do to make things better. He also grapples with the idea that perhaps it's too late, that we've already crossed a point of no return.
As the song progresses, Bilal becomes increasingly introspective. He questions his own role in perpetuating the current state of affairs. He laments that things are not as they used to be, and that he may have played a part in that. Bilal's use of the phrase "why the hell did I get you high?" is particularly striking. It suggests an admission of guilt, a recognition that he may have contributed to someone else's downfall, and ultimately, his own.
One interpretation of "Satellites" is that it's a commentary on the state of American society in the wake of the 2016 election. The song's opening lines, "just another day in another life," suggest a certain level of distance or detachment. It's as if Bilal is looking at the world as an outsider, watching events unfold from a remove. The line "why the hell did I get you high?" could refer to the rise of opioid addiction in America, or to the notion that certain individuals or groups have been "taken in" by a message that ultimately harms them. The song's central message, however, is one of hope. Despite the darkness and uncertainty of the world around us, Bilal insists that he still believes in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Just another day
Another ordinary day
In another life
In a different situation or reality
On the satellite
Observing from a distance
Watching the world
Observing global events
Watch people as they
Observe people in action
Do what they do to people
Witness people's actions towards each other
So what did we do?
What actions did we take?
And what can we do?
What actions can we take?
And how did this happen?
What caused this situation?
'Cause it's not what I remember
This isn't what I recall
When I left you from the other time
When I was previously away from you
No, it's not what I remember
This isn't how things were before
Should have never opened up your eyes
I regret revealing this truth
(Hoh) Why the hell did I get you high?
Why did I intoxicate you?
I believe in this love
I still have faith in this relationship
Why the hell did I let you?
Why did I permit this?
Just another day
Another ordinary day
On the satellite, time traveling
Observing through time from a distance
Watching the corrupt people
Observing those who are dishonest
As they corrupt other people
As they negatively influence others
Oh why the hell did I get you high?
Why did I intoxicate you?
I believe in this love
I still have faith in this relationship
Why the hell did I let you?
Why did I permit this?
High
Intoxicated or influenced
Just another day
Another ordinary day
In another life
In a different situation or reality
On the satellite
Observing from a distance
Watching the world
Observing global events
Watch people as they
Observe people in action
Do what they do to people
Witness people's actions towards each other
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADRIAN YOUNGE, BILAL OLIVER, LOREN ODEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@melissabridgette
Hans + Bilal= Genius
Bilal is totally underrated, but he's a true artist so it's OK if everyone doesn't get it as long as he's not compromising his authenticity. Been a fan so long!
@juniiiior999
Nah because this is soo real.
@marquisbrown9264
I like how Bilal played a modern day Yahshua “ Jesus” in the video. The greats in the music industry are always so underrated.
@Bryce_Major757
Can't expect everyone to understand greatness! I'm glad he's back. Just maybe the Most Overlooked artist ever...
@danielamoreno7232
I don't think I could ever get tired of listening to this man! His music just sets my soul free.
@mmsoulmm
Bilal is a musical genius
@LeAndrePhotography
Bilal is AMAZING. Def buying this album.
@tajmabruno
Bilal is such an amazing artist. I can't wait for his new album on 6/30.
@fernandamorillo8810
He is an artist. I'm amazed with his talent.
@keedybaby
Bilal's voice gives me chills