Amsterdam | Bilal

Influential, Grammy-winning singer who collaborated with Beyoncé, The Roots en Kendrick Lamar. The flawless voice of Bilal is admired by some of the greatest names in jazz, hip-hop and R&B. The classically trained singer from Philadelphia, who’s capable of singing opera in seven languages, was discovered by Questlove, drummer and band leader of The Roots. Soon he sang with D’Angelo and Common. Hip-hop giants Dr. Dre and J Dilla were producers on his first album, after which he was invited by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Robert Glasper, and countless others. He won a Grammy for his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp a Butterfly. Time and again, Bilal shows that he mainly looks forward and does not revert to last century’s soul and R&B stylings. He did prove his capability of singing standards in collaboration with various jazz orchestras. Legendary Earth, Wind & Fire frontman Philip Bailey said that Bilal is the rare singer who uses his voice like an instrument. It confirms the versatility of the singer, who thrives in a live setting, as is evident from his recent album Live at Glasshaus.