Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs
#92: Bilal 'Soul Sista'
When Bilal first stepped on the scene with his debut single "Soul Sista," everyone just about lost their minds. Not only was the song a concoction of warm, velvety lusciousness, but the video was dripping with ooey, gooey love. Bilal's prowess in the video was something only previously seen by such contemporaries as D'Angelo, but it was the remainder of his album, 1st Born Second, that racked up Bilal fans from environs far and wide from his original hometown of Philadelphia. "Soul Sista" barely cracked the Top 20 R&B charts in 2001, but play this song for anyone who was around at that time, and the lights would turn off and candles would light as if Teddy P had commanded you to do so. Part of the Soulquarians crew, Bilal is backed up by Questlove on the percussion, makes an appearance in the video, and is rocking an ill cape to boot. Bilal himself has proven to be quite prolific on the collaboration tip of others' projects, but alas no sophomore album has dropped since his debut. I doubt that there will be any arguments as to why this song made it onto our countdown, but don't fret if you feel it's placement is a bit too low. There's much more in store. As there may be for you if you play this song just at the right moment with the right person in your company.
Tags: bilal oliver, d'angelo, questlove, soulquarians, teddy pendergrass, video



Comments
This cat is mad talented and the live version of soul sista is better then a refund check from the IRS. I dont know why he didnt blow........
stoneyisland | April 11, 2008 12:14 AM | PermalinkI ABSOLUTELY love Bilal and this video in particular. Props to Nzingha Stewart for knowing the difference btwn sensuality and the celebration of black beauty vs. its exploitation.
Gorgeous!
Danielle | April 10, 2008 11:38 PM | Permalink
Soulstar | April 10, 2008 9:00 PM | PermalinkThis song is aight, but "Sometimes" is the cut! I'm interested to see where it (along with a few other Bilal joints) will place.
@ Vivrant Thang:
I did indeed have you in mind when I wrote that LOL
ill Mami | April 10, 2008 8:22 PM | PermalinkGlad you thought I did Bilal justice :-)
but don't fret if you feel it's placement is a bit too low.
Aww Ill Mami :) Was that line just for me? You must have known my first inclination was to cut a fool. Yup, I'm a big ole hypocrite.
Besides, I'm just SO certain that Sometimes will be #1 that I won't fret.
Nice writeup.
It's Hard Being A Bilal Stan These Days (aka Vivrant Thang) | April 10, 2008 7:27 PM | Permalink