Bilal

Bilal is at the top of the new millennium list, helping to usher in the rebirth of Soul with a heavy hip-hop flavor. Even before he released his first album 1st Born Second, Bilal had generated enough buzz to ensure his future success. He had highlighted roles singing the chorus to Common's "The Sixth Sense," vocal and production spots on Erykah Badu's Mama's Gun, and the smash single "Soul Sista" on the Love and Basketball soundtrack. Bilal sings with a moody falsetto similar to fellow Soulquarian D'Angelo; he calls to mind classic singers like Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Prince while exhibiting a confidence and individuality that should mature along with his career.