Sunday Music: Soul Sista, Make Me Over, and other Bilal-isms
September 7, 2025·0 comments·zg
Whatever journey you're on, you can look back and start thinking of all the dead-ends you walked into along the way. The frustrations, the abruptly halted ideas, and the stuff you left behind. That's life. But, there's music in it.
My wife and I just got back from a music festival and I couldn't stop thinking about a musical moment from 25 years ago and how, it kind of just blinked out of existence for me then, but in hindsight, I can see it's shockwaves still vibing around me today.
Bilal grew up in and around Philly music. He left for college at the New School in New York, met Robert Glasper on his first day (a blind “you two play together in front of the class next” pairing - which, is insane and incredible all at once), and - the rest is pretty much history.
First there was the demo that got him his record deal. Supposedly he was hanging out with the guy from the Spin Doctors one night, they had a bit of a jam session, and that found it's way to Interscope.
You're seeing how this goes, right? All the potential. All the paths and roads unfolding.
I'm thinking about Bilal because seeing Robert Glasper this past weekend reminded me of him. Partly since Bilal wasn't there. Not as a diss or anything like that. It's just an "I know he's still out there, I haven't thought about him much lately, so what's he up to" thing.
These are the guys who were just a few years older than me, but always cropping up in the liner notes and band lineups for so much of the "new" (re: contemporary) music I was buying and going to see in the early 2000s.
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
