Bilal

Progressive R&B singer Bilal is the artist for whom the neo-soul categorization is most misleading. None of the Philadelphian's recordings is beholden to any particular soul legend, and it isn't just because his voice -- classically trained, capable of singing opera in seven languages -- is so unique. Although his Top Ten R&B/hip-hop debut, 1st Born Second (2001), is among the exemplary albums of the neo-soul era, he defied classification from the beginning. Nine years passed before he released Airtight's Revenge (2010), a nervy follow-up containing the Grammy-nominated "Little One." He was behind only the sensual A Love Surreal (2013) and headier In Another Life (2015) during his second full decade of activity. However, he's been a prolific collaborator, earning another Grammy nomination for Robert Glasper's "All Matter" and winning a Grammy for Kendrick Lamar's "These Walls." Live at Glasshaus (2024) celebrated his vast body of work, which expanded only months later with Adjust Brightness.