- Born: April 04, 1972 in
- Years Active: 2004-2008
- Genre: R & B
- Influenced by: John Legend, The Roots, Mary J. Blige
- Similar Artists: Monica Blaire, Chrisette Michele, Noel Gourdin, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, Vivian Green, Angie Stone, Nicole Willis, Jazzyfatnastees, Stephanie McKay, Rahsaan Patterson, The Roots, Bahamadia, Beverley Knight, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Cherokee, Ledisi, Lucy Pearl, Bilal, Toya, Mystic, Jaguar Wright, Question, Glenn Lewis, Floetry, Amerie, Terri Walker, Dwele, Joy Denalane, Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, John Legend, Estelle
Jill Scott grew up in north Philadelphia and began her performing career reading her own poetry. She was heard by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, drummer in the Roots, who invited her to join the band in the studio, resulting in the co-composition "You Got Me," a Top 40 pop hit in 1999. Subsequently, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith, and Common, and broadened her performing experience by touring Canada in a production of the Broadway musical Rent. Signed to Steve McKeever's newly formed Hidden Beach label, she released her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, in July 2000. Experience: Jill Scott 826+ appeared the following summer and hot on the heels of the "A Long Walk" single. Scott's starpower soared over the next year, eventually earning her a Grammy nomination in early 2003 for Best Female Vocal Performance for "A Long Walk." Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2 and The Real Thing: Words and Sounds, Vol. 3 followed in 2004 and 2007, respectively. A compilation containing several of her most notable guest appearances, titled Collaborations, was also released in 2007. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
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Black Voices
New 'Blueprint'? Hip-hop demigod Jay-Z let's audience in on a sneak peek of his newest music during Kanye West concert. Also news on Dr. Dre and Natalie Cole. All of that and much more in Black Music Notes.