Get Ready for Musical Magic: Bilal, Common, Questlove & Robert Glasper Unite for Epic New Album
Bilal, Common, Questlove, and Robert Glasper have united to unveil a captivating new live album, Live at Glasshaus, sending waves of excitement through the music world. Set to be released on June 14, this album serves as a tribute to Bilal’s musical journey, marking a mid-career retrospective that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. The supergroup will also feature Burniss Travis on select tracks, adding an extra layer of talent to the mix.
Recorded, filmed, and livestreamed from Glasshaus in Brooklyn, NY, this project marks a significant moment in the Black Music Month celebration for June. Fans can get a taste of what’s to come by listening to the album’s first single, “Something to Hold,” released on May 10.
While this collaboration marks Questlove’s debut with the supergroup, Common, Bilal, and Robert Glasper have previously dazzled audiences with their joint performances. In 2016, before Tiny Desk concerts took the world by storm, the trio graced The White House with their talents. During the performance, they showcased a mix of classics and new tracks, including the timeless Common hit “I Used to Love H.E.R.” They also treated the audience to three new songs: “Letter to the Free,” “The Day the Women Took Over,” and “A Little Chicago Boy.”
One of the standout tracks from their White House concert, “The Day the Women Took Over,” paints a vivid picture of a world led by women. Common’s poignant lyrics bring to life a reality where love and respect reign supreme, setting the stage for a powerful and thought-provoking experience for listeners.
Shortly after their White House performance, Common released the visually captivating “Letter to the Free” music video. This poignant track delves into the complexities of the prison system and racism in America, with Bilal, Karriem Riggins, Robert Glasper, and Andra Day joining Common in a raw and heartfelt performance in an empty warehouse setting. Directed and shot by the talented Bradford Young, known for his work on films like Selma and A Most Violent Year, the video adds another layer of depth to the powerful message of the song.
“Letter to the Free” also features in Ava DuVernay’s eye-opening Netflix documentary 13th, shedding light on the mass incarceration of African Americans in the aftermath of slavery’s abolition. All three new tracks performed at the Tiny Desk concert were taken from Common’s Black America Again, further solidifying the impact and relevance of their collaborative efforts.
With the upcoming release of Live at Glasshaus and the history of powerful performances from this supergroup, fans can expect an album that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level. Stay tuned for June 14, when this musical masterpiece is set to make its mark on the world of music and beyond.
