By the late 2000s, Philadelphia native Bilal began redefining his artistic path as an independent artist, partnering with influential figures like Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Flying Lotus, Adrian Younge, and Kendrick Lamar. In a recent episode of Questlove Supreme, Bilal reflects on this transformative period, offering insight into the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his career.
Bilal recounts a tumultuous era between 2010 and the present, a time marked by setbacks and uncharted creative exploration. A bootlegged album disrupted his earlier plans, leaving him in a prolonged period of uncertainty. Without a clear roadmap, he focused on making music from home, experimenting with GarageBand while grappling with doubts about his label status and professional future. This period also saw a disconnection from key collaborators and industry contacts, further compounding the challenges.
A pivotal moment came when Steve McKee, a longtime friend, invited Bilal to his Philadelphia studio. The collaborative energy of that space reignited Bilal’s creative drive, paving the way for new projects. His experimental sound caught the attention of artists and labels in Los Angeles, including Flying Lotus and Plug Research. Despite lingering uncertainty about his contractual obligations, Bilal pushed forward, using the opportunity to address his label situation head-on.
Bilal’s reemergence gained traction among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, through his work on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Contributing to the song “These Walls,” Bilal became part of the album’s late-stage development. Although Kendrick initially sought a collaboration for his debut album, scheduling conflicts prevented it. However, Bilal maintained ties with mutual collaborators like Thundercat, Terrace Martin, and members of the Sounwave collective, which eventually led to his involvement in the Grammy-winning project.
Bilal acknowledges that many of his peers, including Kendrick’s team, were unaware of their age difference, often assuming he was part of their generation. This misperception underscores his ability to connect across age groups, maintaining a presence that feels both relevant and timeless in an ever-evolving music landscape.
