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.
19 Comments
December 9, 2009 at 6:37 am
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!
December 11, 2009 at 8:32 pm
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”.
December 12, 2009 at 3:23 am
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’!
December 25, 2009 at 7:01 pm
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!
December 13, 2009 at 4:03 am
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.
December 13, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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
December 17, 2009 at 2:24 am
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
December 24, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Love Bilal
Songs sound great
Does he have a website or Twitter you know of? I been lookin around
December 25, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Thanks for commenting Kendra.
You can find him on Twitter @bilal_oliver
January 1, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Dude is hit or miss in his live sets. He is either on or all over the place. Not impressed.
January 4, 2010 at 10:57 am
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!
February 6, 2010 at 4:42 pm
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
February 10, 2010 at 1:37 am
[...] Who’s That Girl? New Music from Bilal Oliver: Will We Actually Get ‘Airtights Revenge’ in 2010? [...]
February 20, 2010 at 10:26 am
that guy actually looke like someone i used to know when i was younger called Ed
February 26, 2010 at 2:43 am
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.
April 11, 2010 at 11:55 pm
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.
April 13, 2010 at 2:50 pm
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!
June 7, 2010 at 10:44 am
[...] terminé son nouvel album. Pour écouter quleques-uns de ses nouveaux morceaux, c’est ici, en [...]
July 21, 2010 at 7:35 pm
[...] for nine years for an official project and the time has finally come. It’s official, Airtight’s Revenge will in fact see the light of day. September 14, it will be in stores and online everywhere for your purchasing [...]