Twenty-five years ago, Grammy-winning singer Bilal released his debut album, “1st Born Second,” a seminal work that boldly interweaves the worlds of jazz, hip-hop and neo-soul to create a sound that was fresh at the time and still holds up today. Featuring lead single “Soul Sista,” the album featured vocals from artists such as Common and Yasiin Bey along with production from Dr. Dre, Raphael Saadiq, the Soulquarians and the late J. Dilla.
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Earlier this month, Bilal celebrated the album's anniversary at the Blue Note in Hollywood with four sold-out shows. I caught up with him backstage before the first show on Night 1.
A couple of months ago you appeared during Talib Kweli's show at the Blue Note in Los Angeles, but this is your first solo exhibition here. How do you feel?
It's been nostalgic because I'm doing the 25th anniversary show here, so we're doing music from my first album. [As I’ve been] When putting together this program, I have [been] Listening to that music takes me back to 25 years ago and it's a fun, but cool feeling. [Laughs]
You were 21 years old when you released your debut album, “1st Born Second.” What was happening in your world at that time?
When I released that album I was just a wild young man who wanted to change the music or bring my approach to the music. It had a lot of concepts coming from the jazz school. I was like a rebellious college kid. I hated everything. I was like a music snob. I wouldn't say I'm a music snob, but yes, I was. [Laughs]
And that's fine.
I was very ambitious back then. I knew what I wanted to do as a musician and I was very happy to do it.
I read that you used to challenge your teachers a lot in high school and college.
Oh yeah, man. I come from Philadelphia and I've been singing in front of people since I was 4 years old, so when my album came out, I was already thinking, “I want to do this. I know how I want to do that. I want to be a producer. I want to do this.” I already had music, materials and songs. So from a jazz point of view, I had strong opinions about who I wanted to be and music school was just my stepping stone, my way out of home.
When you reflect on the impact of “1st Born Second,” how does it make you feel?
That it was an honest expression and that's exactly what I wanted to do. I set out to make timeless music. One of my favorite musicians, especially at that time, was Miles Davis. I read his autobiography all the time and all of this affected the music, affected the listener, really approached it to challenge the listener and also challenge yourself. To cause an effect in the world. So when I can hear it and everyone's like, “I'm still reviewing this s**t,” I'm like, wow! That's what I wanted to do, do something that would outlive me…really.
In 2024, you published two bodies of work: “Living in Glasshaus” and “Adjust Brightness,” which was your first album of new music in eight years. Why was this the right time and how did you each come together?
Everything came naturally, even from the live album. I was determined to do something and when we were putting everything together, I started making phone calls that week. I knew Common would be in town because he was performing on Broadway at the time. So I called Rob [Glasper] and he was in town and we all said, 'Let's call Ahmir.' [Questlove] and I was like [Crosses fingers] Because I knew he was also doing a show on Fallon's show. So we set a time when everyone was free and made it happen. It was a kind of natural and magical vibration.
In February, you were part of a powerful tribute to the late singer D'Angelo at the Grammys. How did it feel to be a part of that moment and celebrate the legacy of someone you thought of?
It was surreal. I was outside my body. As a kid I was always able to do that, so in those situations I just go out of my body.
You seem like the kind of artist who is always creating. Are you working on anything right now that we might hear soon?
I move naturally. I'm not trying to force it, but I've been in a creative space, so I hope the creative gods get to me sooner. But I don't beg. Everything has to be natural.
I know you've started painting recently. Outside of music, what are some things? What has been keeping you grounded and excited lately?
I am a lover of crazy things. I love books. I like history. I like philosophy and I have practiced many Zen meditations. Concepts about clearing the mind and being present. I also love kung fu. The concepts of everything, you know. I am Virgo.
