Jill Scott

Jill Scott grew up in north Philadelphia and began her performing career reading her own poetry. She was heard by Ahmir "nulluestlove" 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 Scottnull 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