Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

OKP News: Bilal Speaks On New LP, Moving To New Label

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.Bilal_Oliver_street

In between touring the world and brightening the releases of everybody from The Roots to Robert Glasper with his vocal prowess, okayplayer par excellence Bilal takes some time to focus on his own LP projects--and with about 2 years of water having flowed under bridge since 2010's Airtight's Revenge, it is about time for the next one. Yesterday in an exclusive for Ebony mag, the ubiquitous Souleo dished on Bilal's newest project, set to be released on a new label, Purpose Music Group/eOne Music. Bilal spoke on his feelings on the move, plans to work with Esperanza Spalding and/or Gary Clark, Jr, the emotional coloring we can expect from the new project, as well as just a check-in with where he's at in his life as an artist and a father. Find a quote on below and get the full conversation at Ebony.

Bilal notes that this time around his overall sound is less dark than on his last release since he has reached a deeper understanding of life after wrestling with his son’s Autism. “'Airtight' was more dark and I feel like I’m in a warmer space now. Being a father has matured me,” he revealed. “I don’t view things as it's a bad thing that happened to me. I view it as this is my life and it's up to me to understand and get from it what I’m supposed to.”

One of those lessons he has extracted is to remain brave in his artistic pursuits. “The fearless thing, I always had that. But I got it more from watching my son. Everything is curiosity to (children),” he noted. “I don’t have anything to prove anymore except to myself. I am eager to experiment with my sound and color.”

spotted at SB