Bilal on Sound Session

Posted in Artists, Interviews, Sound Session on August 9th, 2009 by Hyphen

A few months ago, J. Moore and I held a quick informal poll on Sound Session with our listeners – Of the most well respected ‘big 3’ R&B singers of the last 15 years, who is your favorite – Maxwell, D’Angelo, or Bilal?  Despite only releasing one official album, Bilal battled it out with D’Angelo for the top spot and they ended up tying the vote.

Personally, after hearing 1st Born Second in 2001, my entire vision of R&B was shaken to the core.  On that one record, Bilal displayed a soulfulness in his music, songwriting, and most noticeably, his voice that hasn’t been topped since.  Simply put, it’s a flawless album and marks one of the crowning achievements of the Soulquarian collective.

When Bilal came through the SNSS studio, we jumped at the chance to ask him all about that album, his Love For Sale follow up that was unfortunately shelved by Interscope (Industry Rule #4,080), and his upcoming project, Air Tight’s Revenge.  We also discussed his upbringing, his first big break as D’Angelo’s back up singer (and his prompt firing), behind the scenes stories from the Soulquarian days, his favorite J Dilla memory, and much more.  Check out the full interview below to catch up with the legendary Bilal Oliver.

Bilal on Sound Sessionhttp://www.mediafire.com/?limxqmnyonz
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/6388930225a66890/ )

If you’re a music lover and don’t own 1st Born Second, cop it immediately

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maxwell – Bad Habits (video)

Posted in Artists, Music Videos on August 5th, 2009 by Hyphen

Honestly, I was hoping for a little more than a 9 song album after waiting so long for Max’s return, but on the plus side, those 9 tracks are fire.  Here’s the 2nd video off the project, following up to the excellent “Pretty Wings.”  If BLACKsummers’night doesn’t get your girl in the mood, you’re losing.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Maxwell – Pretty Wings (video)

Posted in Artists, Joints, Music Videos on May 2nd, 2009 by Hyphen

Whoooooooo.  Are you kiddin’ me?  Max is back, chyea.  Don’t fall for that stuff that’s masquerading as R&B these days.  This is that piff.

Maxwell – “Pretty Wings” (Album Version)

Now we just need D to get it together too…

Tags: , , , , ,

He’s alive!

Posted in Artists, Live Performances, Throwbacks on August 19th, 2008 by Hyphen

As much as we all complain about D’Angelo’s disappearance, at least he’s popped up on a few dope collaborations over the years (“So Far To Go” & “Imagine” come to mind).  Maxwell, on the other hand, has laid reeeeeally low.  I spotted this recent live performance of his classic “This Woman’s Work” over at the Smoking Section, and had to post it up.  If for some reason you don’t have the song, download it ASAP:

Maxwell – “This Woman’s Work”

Hint: play this song for any girl born in the 80’s who played basketball growing up and watch what happens.

Tags: , , , ,