Rising Philly star Bilal hails from the "Soulquarian" collective that includes such luminaries as D'Angelo and Erykah Badu. Judging from 1st Born Second, a very ambitious 17 track debut, the adventurous approach to nu-soul has definitely rubbed off on Bilal. The album is a feast of falsetto funk and experimental, spacey soundscapes, reminscent of the Ohio Players and Prince, with a touch of Sly Stone thrown in. Dr Dre's warm, bassy production on "Fast Lane" and "Sally" brings it bang up-to-date, as do the gritty contributions of Mos Def and Common. Flowing throughout is Bilal's soulful voice--whether celebrating the love of a "soul sista" or recalling dark days of childhood abuse, he sings with offbeat, sensual abandon--a talent to watch. --Lucy O'Brien