You already know this is another artist on the short list that can bring me out of retirement.
I’d be remiss as queen bee of the Bilal Stan Association if I didn’t share with the one or two of you that still stop by (thank you!) new tracks that Mr. Oliver performed during his set here in DC over the weekend.
I have to admit I was a bit nervous about this show. Last couple of times he rolled through DC, I had to take him to task on Twitter for lackluster, “i don’t give a fuck, cut the check,” performances. It was like watching this right here. I derive no pleasure from standing on the side of the road and watch a ten-car pileup.
I am happy to say at this show he acted like the Grammy-nominated artist I know who could blow all of these R&B cats off the stage using only10% of his vocals. Mr. Oliver put on an amazing set that included a preview of three tracks I expect we’ll see on his upcoming album, Airtights Revenge. Check out “Levels,” “Robots,” and “Cake & Eat It Too” and let me know what you think in the comments.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about “Levels” when I first heard it and was curious about the direction of the album. However, after seeing it live, I can dig it. “Cake & Eat It Too” will definitely be popular with the fans. The beat knocks.
Levels
Cake and Eat It Too
Robots
“Since I Been Loving You” is of course a Led Zepplin cover and I don’t believe it will be on the album. However, if you don’t watch any other video, watch this one. I attribute his antics to my fly ass Bilal tee I was rocking in the front row. He saw that and knew I had been down for a minute!
So seems like 2010 will be a damn good year musically. We’ll be holding a vigil for Airtights Revenge. His manager says he only a couple tracks left to record. Look out for an interview soon over at SoulBounce where I’m sure Butta will get to the bottom of this. We’ll also be checking hard for:
- Sade: Soldier of Love (um, for real if you haven’t heard about her first release in ten years on Feb 8, 2010, saw the stunning artwork, and listened to the title track, well I can’t help you.)
- Corrine Bailey Rae: The Sea (January 26th)
- Erykah Badu New Amerykah Part II
- Darien Brockington: The Cold Case Files
- Anthony David: As Above, So Below
- Vikter Duplaix: Love Machine
- New project from Yahzarah
- New music from Deborah Bond
- New joint from Amy Winehouse
- D’Ange….aww fuck it!
Be sure to follow these artists on Twitter and via their official websites and blogs to keep up with the latest on release dates. Who knows when I’ll write here again.
LOL @ the Bilal vid, i’m definitely excited for his new project but a little apprehensive as to what direction he’ll take!
The new Sade and Corinne Bailey Rae albums, along with Yahzarah, a new album from Ra-Re Valverde, Badu AND Deborah Bond has me very excited. Potentially we may also see new Jill Scott (!!) and a new album from Carleen Anderson, plus Zo!’s ‘Sunstorm’,Phonte’s solo project and Rox’s debut album!
The real one to watch for me is Andreya Triana though, her ‘Lost Where I Belong’ track is something else!
Bilal was every bit of it last Friday night. I’m glad he’s coming out with somethin new. It’s been a long while. I’ll be seeing him at Rams Head Wednesday. I can’t wait. I’ve seen him 3 times this year and he still hasn’t done ” when will u call”.
I was out there Friday night. Great show. First time seeing him perform since 2000 back in NYC when he was still a new artist.
Quick question: You didn’t happen to record the remix he did at the beginning of the show of “For You”? It was awesome, but I wasn’t able to get my camera working in time. If you have it can you please post it? Thanks a mil’!
Thanks for commenting JJ. All of the vids I took from the show are up on my YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/totalpkge16. I did get “For You.” Enjoy!
one shouldn’t expect any less from the great Bilal. Looking forward to this long awaited release. 2010 is gonna be another great year for soul music.
I am so happy to see these posted and to know the names of the songs. It takes me right back to beginning in the second row while some obnoxious drunkard sung songs behind me…LOL Thanks
LOL @ “D’Ange….aww fuck it!” Im just about read to put Badu in that category if she don’t stop playing.
I really never understood Bilal, so I may give him a try when the new new drops.
Tafari
Love Bilal
Songs sound great
Does he have a website or Twitter you know of? I been lookin around
Thanks for commenting Kendra.
You can find him on Twitter @bilal_oliver
Dude is hit or miss in his live sets. He is either on or all over the place. Not impressed.
Thank you, Viv! And sweetie, I can guarantee you there are more than a few people who still stop by here. Love you, and have a Blessed 2010!
please, please, please if you have any insight as to his 2010 shows, share with us. thanks for the videos, i desperately needed to hear some new music from him.
thanks again
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that guy actually looke like someone i used to know when i was younger called Ed
BILAL DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST! CAN’T WAIT FOR AIRTIGHT’S REVENGE. I SEEN HIM PERFORM THESE LIVE IN ATLANTA AND HE NEVER DISAPPOINTS. I LOVE THIS MAN.
AND ALL THE NEW RELEASES WILL BE DOPE.
Excellent article, I’m regular visitor of your blog, keep on writing these great posts, and I’ll be a regular visitor for a very long time.
Bilal<3
Always loved his music lyrically he is a genius! I need to know when he is coming to Charlotte, NC again!!! I have been in love with this mans music forever…I must hear "All for Love" before I die or my life will not be complete! LOL
When is his next show in DC, Baltimore…Anywhere on the east coast because honestly I'll make it a road trip! LOL
Thanks for the post VT!
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“I am happy to say at this show he acted like the Grammy-nominated artist I know who could blow …. ”
I dont see the correlations. For some reason grammys matter but they shouldnt. Apparently is is your peers honouring you, but that is bs. Sh8t like lil wayne is nom’d and has won, and we know his music sucks.
I feel AMAs and People’s Choice awards matter . even billboards as they reflect what we buy, and request on the radio.