1st Born Second is the debut album by the American singer-songwriter Bilal, released on July 27, 2001, by Interscope Records. Bilal recorded the album at Electric Lady Studios in New York with a host of record producers, including Aaron Comess, Dr. Dre, Mike City, Megahertz, Raphael Saadiq, and J Dilla. It was a critical success and charted at number 31 on the U.S. Billboard 200, eventually selling 319,000 copies. According to AllMusic biographer Andy Kellman, the album was an "exemplary" release of the retro-inspired neo soul genre, although Bilal's subsequent work would become increasingly distinctive and modern.
1st Born Second
Aaron Comess in 2014
Bilal Sayeed Oliver is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is an independent artist, noted for his wide vocal range, work across multiple genres, and intense live performances.
Bilal at Central Park SummerStage in New York, 2015
The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Bilal's alma mater
Common and Mos Def (pictured in 1999) appeared on Bilal's debut album and were his colleagues in the Soulquarians musical collective.
Bilal performing at the A38 concert hall in Budapest, 2008