Happy 20th Anniversary to Bilal’s debut album 1st Born Second, originally released July 31, 2001.
At the dawn of the 21st century, one of the most exciting musical movements I remember was orchestrated by the gifted group of artists collectively known as The Soulquarians. For a B-Boy teenager of the late ‘90s, albums by Soulquarian members such as The Roots’ Things Fall Apart (1999) and Common’s Like Water for Chocolate (2000) helped mature my musical palate through their collaborations with neo-soul staples and Soulquarian songstresses Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. I remember being particularly excited with Common’s first DJ Premier team-up for “The 6th Sense,” before discovering that it was the new and promising male vocalist named Bilal who added the seasoning to put the track completely over. Both the single and album (Like Water for Chocolate) would go on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success, setting the stage for the song and LP’s featured vocalist to eventually carry the banner of the extremely talented musical collective.
Wisely, Bilal’s debut single “Soul Sista” was released directly on the heels of the success of Like Water for Chocolate. Released not only as a single from his debut album, but also for the highly anticipated soundtrack for the film Love & Basketball, it was one of the sexist songs of the spring and summer of 2000, with Bilal unleashing his full range of vocal abilities, allowing his tenor to teasingly caress Raphael Saadiq’s minimalist track. Seemingly without effort, Bilal’s vocals soar to heights reminiscent of the one and only Prince Rogers Nelson, but just as easily return to near whispers. The song’s infusion of jazz hints with funk overtones not only officially launched Bilal’s career, but helped solidify the concepts of vocal and instrumental improvisation as a mainstay for the neo-soul subgenre in the new millennium.
For the next single from Bilal’s debut LP, he tapped producer Mike City for a more traditional romantic R&B track. An expert in providing backdrops for male vocalists, Mike City had recently enjoyed the success of producing “I Wish” for Carl Thomas’ Emotional (2000) and Dave Hollister’s “One Woman Man.” The record succeeded in keeping Bilal’s name at the forefront of the neo-soul genre’s crop of blossoming artists.
By the time Bilal’s debut album 1st Born Second finally hit stores, eager consumers like me were pleasantly surprised to see that he had some big-name star power to back up his robust and versatile vocals. The LP’s third single “Fast Lane” featured highly respected rap lyricist Jadakiss with production from the icon Dr. Dre. One of the most infectious choruses of the summer proved that 1st Born Second was not going to be merely a hidden gem for his most fervent fans, but rather a record with the promise of more widespread appeal. The song was equally at home in constant rotation across the airways during the day and club deejays’ playlists at night throughout 2001.
“Reminisce” would have just as easily fit on Common’s Like Water for Chocolate LP but was well placed as a Soulquarian mini-reunion on 1st Born Second. Produced by J Dilla, the track features verses from Common and Mos Def, both of whom provide equally creative verses, while Bilal showcases the smoother side of his vocals that traverse the brilliant songwriting. Dilla’s signature sound helps “Reminisce” sit as a hallmark on an LP that barely requires a skip or thought of fast-forwarding through its tracks.
“Sometimes” is another highlight amongst the strong tracklist. Foundational Soulquarian member James Poyser is credited as the track’s producer. His signature organ, along with Bilal’s conversational delivery, adds a Sunday afternoon gospel feel to the song. The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s percussion complements the already stellar production and helps pace the song for a more contemporary tempo.
Another distinction for the groundbreaking album comes on the song “You Are.” A few months before most of us heard Marsha Ambrosius aid the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson on the song she also co-wrote, “Butterflies,” you hear her along with her Floetry partner Natalie Stewart showing promise on Bilal’s celebration of modern soul.
1st Born Second exceeds any expectations that could have been held for a debut artist. It has hitmaking producers providing the best within their respective arsenals to accentuate a unique young artist with a powerful vocal delivery. The LP remains both focused and imaginative, allowing Bilal’s versatility to blend funk, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and even gospel overtones while enduring as one of the albums that defined neo-soul in the early ‘00s.
While certainly standing on its own merits as a brilliant album that added dimensions to the R&B landscape, 1st Born Second also bridges colossal LPs like D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar (1995) and Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) with Floetry’s Floetic (2002) and John Legend’s Get Lifted (2004). Bilal’s inaugural effort is creative in every facet, from its narratives to his depth as a vocal phenomenon.
Bilal sits alongside artists like Common, Mos Def, and Erykah Badu who helped inspire some of the books I read and embarrassing fashion risks I took in my late teens and early twenties, but overall crafted the soundtrack to my—and I’m sure many others’—formative years.
LISTEN: